Kagiso Rabada reaches 350 Test wickets, becomes second-fastest South African bowler

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada achieved another significant milestone in his illustrious Test career, becoming the second-fastest Proteas bowler to reach 350 wickets in the longest format. The 31-year-old reached the landmark during the fifth day of the third and deciding Test against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday, October 31.

Rabada claimed his 350th Test wicket in his 75th appearance, dismissing Australia's Travis Head for 14 in the second innings. Head was caught by Marco Jansen at fourth slip, completing a memorable achievement for the South African speedster.

The milestone came after a sensational opening spell from Rabada, who struck twice in the first over of Australia's fourth-innings chase. He first dismissed Matt Renshaw for a duck before trapping Marnus Labuschagne leg-before-wicket for four. The dismissal of Head in the seventh over gave Rabada his third wicket of the innings and took his career tally to 350.

Dale Steyn remains South Africa's fastest to 350 Test wickets

Rabada is now second only to legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn in the list of fastest Proteas bowlers to reach 350 Test wickets. Steyn achieved the feat in just 69 matches, six fewer than Rabada.

Former South African greats Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini also crossed the 350-wicket mark, taking 86 and 90 Tests respectively.

At the global level, Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan and India's Ravichandran Ashwin hold the record for the fastest to 350 Test wickets, reaching the landmark in 66 matches each.

Rabada closing in on Steyn's South Africa record

Rabada's achievement further strengthens his position among South Africa's greatest fast bowlers. Steyn remains the country's leading Test wicket-taker with 439 scalps, followed by Shaun Pollock (421) and Makhaya Ntini (390).

Rabada also has an impressive record against Australia. Before the ongoing series, he had collected 64 wickets in 12 Tests against the Aussies. Steyn holds the record for the most Test wickets by a South African against Australia, with 70. Rabada's latest milestone brings him closer to another significant achievement as he continues to build his legacy in international cricket.