There was also a redemption element of sorts to Rabada’s efforts with the ball.
The 30-year-old fast bowler had come into the match with something of a cloud hanging over him having recently served a short ban for recreational drug use.
“It wasn’t my best moment, as I have alluded to,” Rabada said, in a matter-of-fact manner.
“Life moves on. Every game that I play for South Africa, I try to do my best.”
On a day when 14 wickets fell at Lord’s it would be easy to assume the South Africa quick bowler’s five-wicket haul could be attributed to other factors.
“For day one of a Lord’s Test match, it was below average in terms of movement through the air, and just about average for deviation off the pitch,” said TMS scorer Andy Zaltzman.
“So that comes down to quality of bowling and consistency.”
Rabada also moved above legendary fast bowler Allan Donald and up to fourth on South Africa’s all-time Test wicket-takers list as he took his tally to 332 victims.
The three men above him on South Africa’s all-time list are Makhaya Ntini (390), Shaun Pollock (421) and Dale Steyn (439).
“As a player, growing up and representing South Africa, I have been inspired by those who have come before and seen what they have done on the big stage,” he added.
“As a kid, I was inspired to do the same thing. To be on that list is something special and long may it continue.”
