Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada hit fighting half-centuries as South Africa took a crucial 71-run lead over Pakistan on day three of the second Test in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

Pakistan rode on a brilliant 93 from Imam-ul-Haq to reach 313-5 after a brief fightback from South Africa on the opening day of the first Test in Lahore on Sunday.

While Markram’s second-innings century set the stage for a historic chase, it was Rabada’s fiery spells-- nine wickets across both innings-- that laid the foundation. 

Australia captain Pat Cummins said the World Test Championship final against South Africa was a good advertisement for Test cricket despite hurtling towards a likely finish within three days.

Australia captain Pat Cummins starred with the ball and Alex Carey made valuable runs following a dramatic collapse as the holders retained the advantage in the World Test Championship final against South Africa on Thursday.

Australia captain Pat Cummins produced a sensational spell of four wickets for just one run as the title-holders seized control of the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's on Thursday.

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada was left thinking of what might have been even though he took five Australia wickets as bowlers dominated Wednesday's first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord's.

Kagiso Rabada took five wickets as South Africa dismissed Australia for 212 after tea on Wednesday's opening day of the World Test Championship final at Lord's.

Rabada tested positive for cocaine in January, which was only revealed in April, and served a one-month ban while competing in the Indian Premier League.

Australia batting great Steve Smith is expecting a tough examination from South Africa's impressive pace attack in this week's World Test Championship final at Lord's.

The 30-year-old Rabada can resume playing for his country in June, after being named in South Africa's squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's from June 11 to 15.

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to return to cricket following a reduced suspension for testing positive for a banned recreational substance.

Rabada, second in the world test bowling rankings, said he was serving a "provisional suspension" but gave no other details.

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada has left his IPL team Gujarat Titans to return home due to personal reasons, the franchise said in a statement on Thursday.

South Africa fast bowler says plans are in already in motion in their quest to take the World Test Championship mace off Australia at Lord's in June.

Rabada claimed the No.1 spot on the back of strong form for the Proteas during the ongoing ICC World Test Championship, with the right-armer taking his 300th Test wicket during South Africa's recent seven-wicket triumph over Bangladesh in Mirpur.

"With 16 wickets on day one, I'd say it's leaning towards the bowlers," Rabada said.

Steady rain restricted play to just the final session on the fourth day.

Rabada called on all the players in the tournament to seize the moment.

It was Rabada's 14th five-wicket haul in his 61st Test and his fourth in eight Tests at Centurion, but his first against India.