Cape Town – Kagiso Rabada has moved joint-second on South Africa’s list of leading Test wicket-takers against Australia, with Dale Steyn’s record within reach.

Rabada’s six wickets in the innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha lifted his tally against Australia to 64, drawing him level with former off-spinner Hugh Tayfield. Steyn leads South Africa’s all-time list with 70.

The fast bowler had entered the match alongside Morne Morkel and Makhaya Ntini on 58 wickets. He now needs six to equal Steyn and seven to become South Africa’s outright leading Test wicket-taker against Australia.

Rabada has reached 64 wickets in just 12 Tests, averaging 21.10. Steyn’s 70 came in 15 matches at 27.47, while Tayfield also played 15 Tests for his 64 at 34.50.

Returning after missing the series opener in Durban, Rabada took 2-33 and 4-77 at St George’s Park as the Proteas levelled the three-match series. His second-innings victims included Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, Nic Maddinson and Mitchell Starc.

His latest contribution followed nine wickets in South Africa’s World Test Championship final triumph at Lord’s last year. In those two victories over Australia, he has taken 15 wickets for 220 runs, an average of 14.66.

The series decider at Newlands, starting on Tuesday, now offers Rabada an opportunity to challenge another South African bowling landmark.