WTC Final showdown: Steve Smith and Kagiso Rabada ready to clash at Lord's

Steve Smith, rejuvenated after a three-month break and boasting four centuries in five Tests, prepares to face South Africa's top bowler Kagiso Rabada, who is on the verge of breaking a national wicket record. This high-stakes duel at Lord's could define the WTC Final's outcome.

Sources:
EspncricinfoTimesofindia+1
Updated 7m ago
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Sources: Cricbuzz.comEspncricinfoTimesofindia
The World Test Championship final at Lord's promises a captivating duel between Steve Smith and Kagiso Rabada.

Smith, who recently turned 36, has returned to peak form, scoring four centuries in his last five Tests. His preparation has evolved, focusing on quality over quantity in practice, and improved mobility has enhanced his fielding.

At Lord's, Smith boasts an impressive record: 525 runs in five Tests at an average of 58.33, including two centuries and two fifties. His recent 110-run innings in the 2023 Ashes underscores his dominance on this historic ground. Smith called Lord's "probably, outside of Sydney, my favourite ground to play at," hinting this could be his last Test appearance there.

Rabada, South Africa's premier fast bowler, enters the final with the best bowling average of 19.38 among all finalists, outperforming notable Australian pacers. At Lord's, he has taken 13 wickets in two Tests, with best figures of 5/52.

With 327 Test wickets at an average of 22.00 and 16 five-wicket hauls, Rabada is on the cusp of surpassing Allan Donald's record of 330 wickets to become South Africa's fourth-highest wicket-taker.

This clash at Lord's not only highlights individual brilliance but also the high stakes of the WTC final, where Smith's batting mastery meets Rabada's lethal bowling, promising a memorable contest.

"Can we play tomorrow, I'm ready to go," Smith told coach Andrew McDonald after his first net session post-break, signaling his readiness.

The stage is set for a thrilling final showdown at cricket's iconic venue.
Sources: Cricbuzz.comTimesofindia
Steve Smith and Kagiso Rabada are set for a thrilling showdown at Lord's in the WTC final. Smith, in peak form with four centuries in five Tests, boasts a 58.33 average at Lord's. Rabada, with 13 wickets in two Tests there, aims to break South Africa's wicket record.
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Can we play tomorrow, I'm ready to go.
Steve Smith
Espncricinfo
I think it's probably, outside of Sydney, my favourite ground to play at.
Steve Smith
Espncricinfo
Key Facts
  • Steve Smith took a three-month break from cricket before recently returning to training with improved strength and mobility, including better hip mobility aiding his slips fielding.EspncricinfoCricbuzz.com2
  • Smith scored 4 centuries in his last 5 Tests, signaling a return to his peak form as a Test batter.Cricbuzz.com1
  • Smith has an impressive record at Lord's with a 58.33 average from 525 runs in five Tests across nine innings, including two centuries and two fifties, with his most recent innings being a knock of 110 against England in the 2023 Ashes.Timesofindia
  • Kagiso Rabada holds the best bowling average of 19.38 among all bowlers in the WTC Final and has taken 13 wickets in two Tests at Lord's with best figures of 5/52.Timesofindia
  • Rabada is close to surpassing Allan Donald's South African Test wicket record, needing just four more wickets to exceed Donald's 330 wickets and become South Africa's fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 327 wickets currently.Timesofindia
  • The WTC Final at Lord's will feature a key contest between Steve Smith and Kagiso Rabada, highlighting a battle between a top batsman and leading bowler.
Key Stats at a Glance
Centuries scored by Steve Smith in last 5 Tests
4 centuries
1
Runs scored by Steve Smith at Lord's
525 runs
Timesofindia
Batting average of Steve Smith at Lord's
58.33 average
Timesofindia
Centuries scored by Steve Smith at Lord's
2 centuries
Timesofindia
Fifties scored by Steve Smith at Lord's
2 fifties
Timesofindia
Most recent innings score by Steve Smith at Lord's
110 runs
Timesofindia
Bowling average of Kagiso Rabada in WTC Final
19.38 average
Timesofindia
Wickets taken by Kagiso Rabada in two Tests at Lord's
13 wickets
Timesofindia
Best bowling figures of Kagiso Rabada at Lord's
5/52
Timesofindia
Current Test wickets of Kagiso Rabada
327 wickets
Timesofindia
Test bowling average of Kagiso Rabada
22.00 average
Timesofindia
Five-wicket hauls by Kagiso Rabada in Tests
16 five-wicket hauls
Timesofindia
Wickets needed by Kagiso Rabada to surpass Allan Donald's record
4 wickets
Timesofindia

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