Today South Africa wrapped up the test match they have been playing against Australia at the Waca in Perth. What a duel it was. 5 day test cricket is not dead! That’s for sure. It was tense at times.
South Africa batted first – and badly! With not much to recommend them, they tumbled to 242 all out. Across Australia, enthusiastic cricket lovers rubbed their hands in glee. After going down 0-5 in a historic ODI series against South Africa, the Australians were hopeful. They went into bat for their first innings and did well. 158/0, they had every reason to be happy. It looked gloomy for the Proteas. Mike announced we were being thrashed!
The next day, I glanced at the TV and asked what had happened. Mike was jubilant. “You will not believe it!” he said. “Australia lost the rest of their wickets for 80. They ended 2 ahead of us and we are back in!” From then on, we piled on the runs, accumulating 540 before declaring. Australia were set a mammoth total to try and win – all they could really do was play for a draw.
With Dale Steyn out to shoulder injury, Kagiso Rabada stepped up to the plate – bowled his heart out and was rewarded with a quiver of wickets – he bowled 31 overs and took 5 wickets for 92 runs. He bowled 148 dot balls. Certainly a performance like that would seal his place in the side.
Rabada received man of the match award and stepped up to receive the award and to say a few words.
He spoke of the need to bowl more because of Dale Steyn’s injury. The presenter asked him how he was feeling. He said he could confidently say he wouldn’t be bowling much over the next day or two but he will be ready for the next test in Hobart and ended with these words, “If I am chosen!” He said it with such seriousness.
Humility!
There was a roar of laughter as he walked away. Others know that he can be pretty certain that he has nothing to worry about in regard to his place in the side, for now.
He has learned an important lesson, though. Humility is important. If he has learned to be humble on a good day, it will be easier to cope with the humility imposed on a bad day.
Luke 14:11
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Well done Kagiso – not only did you do South Africa proud, but you set yourself apart as someone who doesn’t take success for granted.
Good lesson.
#86 of 1000 thanks – the pleasure of watching South Africa win!
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂