SA v Eng 4th Test Day 3 Review: Rabada razes down English batting order

Kagiso Rabada recorded his second five-wicket haul to leave England totally dismantled. The 20-year-old was always seen as the next big potential in the South African unit and is thoroughly justifying the tag with striking performances at the Test level.

Rabada struck thrice before the lunch session, in a short space of 12 balls precisely. The fast bowler removed Joe Root, James Taylor and Jonny Bairstow to send a shock wave in the English middle order. Rabada bowled at a lively speed around 140kmph with outstanding control over line and length

England started the day with a conservative approach, scoring very slowly. AS the overs progressed Joe Root, began to stroke runs. But just after accumulating 39 runs in the morning session, England suffered its first setback. Alastair Cook, who resumed at the overnight score of 67, could only manage an addition of nine runs to his individual tally and fell to Morne Morkel.

Taylor joined Root but was immediately in troubles facing Morne Morkel. Joe Root survived a chance after Kumar Dharmasena’s decision was overturned. The umpire had agreed with Piedt’s appeal of a caught behind but Root was confident and immediately signaled for a review. However, Root’s time at the crease was short after the successful review as Rabada initiated the collapse with his wicket.

He then removed Taylor with a bouncer as the English middle-order batsman attempted an ill-judged hook shot to get caught at behind by de Kock. Rabada followed up Taylor’s wicket with the scalp of the in-form Jonny Bairstow, who also edged behind a catch to De Kock, leaving England in deep trouble.

Stoke and Moeen Ali added 41 runs for the 7th wicket partnership before the young Proteas speedster struck again. This Ben Stokes fell victim to him. Duminy added a wicket to his name in his first over by getting rid of Chris Woakes. Rabada took more wickets in the form of Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad to finish the England innings at 342 and returning with remarkable figures of 7/112.

After a fruitful three session, the Proteas began badly after James Anderson sent Elgar back to the dressing room to claim his 431st Test victim, drawing level with Sir Richard Hadlee as 7th highest wicket-taker in Tests.

Hashim Amla and Stephen Cook then batted out the possible overs to end South Africa’s eventful day at 42/1.

First Innings:

South Africa: 475 all out in 132 overs (Quinton de Kock 129; Ben Stokes 4/86)

England: 342 all out 104.2 overs (Alastair Cook 76; Kagiso Rabada 7/112)

Second Innings:

South Africa: 42/1 (Stephen Cook 23* ; James Anderson 1/14)