SA v AUS 2018: Kagiso Rabada faces possible suspension from the remainder of the Test series

Rabada has been charged by ICC for making shoulder contact with Australia skipper Steve Smith.

Rabada has been found guilty of a Level 2 breach of the ICC code of conduct | Getty

South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada has been charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for making shoulder contact with Australia skipper Steve Smith after dismissing him during the opening day of the second Test at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth on Friday (March 9).

Rabada has been found guilty of a Level 2 breach of the ICC code of conduct for bringing the game into disrepute. It is worth mentioning here that Level 2 offence can warrant up to four demerit points which result in an automatic suspension of one Test or two limited-overs internationals, whichever comes first.

Since Rabada is already carrying five demerit points, he is likely to breach the eight-point mark after the hearing on Saturday night. Consequently, the ace paceman might have to miss the remaining two Test matches in the series.

The first Test between South Africa and Australia in Durban was also full of on-field hostility. Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon was penalized by the International Cricket Council for dropping the ball on AB de Villiers after the veteran batsman was run out in South Africa's second innings. After dislodging the bails Lyon had unwarrantedly dropped the ball which grazed the chest of de Villiers who was down on the ground while attempting to get back to the crease.

Nathan Lyon was charged with a Level 1 breach, as per which he has been fined 15 percent of his match fee and one demerit point got added to his name. Lyon was found to violate Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to "conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game."

Moreover, the ugly spat between Australia opener David Warner and South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock had also grabbed the headlines. Both the players were penalized by the ICC. While De Kock was charged for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct and has been fined 25 percent of his match fee, in addition, to be awarded one demerit point, Warner was found guilty of breaching Level 2 of the ICC's code of conduct for the same offence. The Australian vice-captain was fined 75 percent of his match fee (approximately $13,500) and has given three demerit points.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 10 Mar, 2018

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