Michael Vaughan lauds Kagiso Rabada, rates South African just behind Jasprit Bumrah

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan heaped praise on Kagiso Rabada after South Africa won the World Test Championship final, in which they bested Australia by five wickets at Lord’s. Rabada bagged a five-wicket haul in the first innings, returning with impressive figures of 5-51. Furthermore, the South African pack leader bagged 4-59 in the second innings and thus played a massive role in Proteas’ five-wicket win.

Vaughan rated Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins in the same category and added India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is one notch higher than the duo. Cummins also returned with impressive figures of 6-28 in the first innings against South Africa.

Michael Vaughan wrote in his column for Fox Sports, “One thing that we must bear in mind is that South Africa have Kagiso Rabada, a genuinely world-class bowler who ruthlessly exploited Australia’s weaknesses. I’d place him alongside Pat Cummins and just behind Bumrah among the best bowlers in the world. England don’t have anyone who belongs in that bracket.”

On the other hand, Vaughan wondered if Australia could lose some of their veteran players as they are in high 30s. 

“I look at Australia and wonder if they are heading towards a barren period like they had around the 2010/11 Ashes. Three great players retired at the end of the 2006/07 Ashes, and a load more followed not long after. A great generation can retire all at once.”

“I don’t think it will happen before this year’s Ashes, but I would be looking for some regeneration if I was Australia. It’s tricky these days, because players have such big contracts they don’t want to give up, so sometimes the management need to make tough decisions,” he added.

The Ashes 2025-26 will be played in Australia from November 21 onwards.