'He is exactly the same...': Ricky Ponting compares Kagiso Rabada to Australia legend following heroic spell in WTC final

Legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting was all praise for Kagiso Rabada, who bowled a terrific spell of 5/51 for South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's. With his brilliant figures, Rabada went on to surpass Allan Donald to become South Africa's fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.

Rabda gave a fabulous bowling performance at Lord's

Rabada picked up the massive wickets of Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green and Beau Webster, playing a huge role in bundling out the Baggy Greens for just 212 runs on the first day. Ponting, who was highly impressed with Rabada's performance at Lord's, went on to compare him to legendary Australia pacer Glenn McGrath, who also had a magnificent record at the iconic venue in London.

"Glenn McGrath was also exactly the same at Lord's. McGrath loved bowling at Lord's and loved being able to use the slope both ways from either end of the ground, which is something that is probably not talked about as much as it should be," Ponting said as quoted by ICC.

"These big games are all about your big name players. Your star players have to stand up in these games," he added.

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In the three Tests that Rabada has so far played at Lord's, he has picked up a total of 18 wickets including two five-wicket hauls.On the other hand, McGrath had an even better record and took 26 wickets in the three matches he played at the venue with the best figures of 8/38.

Meanwhile, after South Africa had finished the first day on 43/4, they weren't able to score much on the second day either and were bundled out for just 138, giving away a 74-run lead to the Aussies. David Bedingham was the top-scorer for the Proteas with his knock of 45 while skipper Temba Bavuma also played a decent inning of 36.

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Australia skipper Pat Cummins was by far the top performer for his side, finishing with figures of 6/28. Mitchell Starc picked up two while Josh Hazlewood also took a scalp as the South African batting order completely crumbled. The Aussies are currently in control of the match and are favourites to win and lift their second-successive WTC title.