SA v AUS 2018: Kagiso Rabada gets clearance to play the third Test against Australia

Kagiso Rabada was handed three demerit points by match referee.

Kagiso Rabada and Steve Smith | Getty

Kagiso Rabada was banned for two Tests in the ongoing South Africa vs. Australia four Test series, after receiving demerit points due to on field altercation with Steve Smith.

Rabada has shouted in the face of Steve Smith after dismissing him during the first innings of the second Test of the series and shouldered him during the celebrations. During the second innings of the Test, he gave a send-off to David Warner, after dismissing him; earning himself a plethora of demerit points and a two Test ban.

In a series that has been rife of verbal banter from both sides; Rabada was the highlight due to his animated send offs and altercation with Australia skipper Steve Smith. Rabada picked 11 wickets in the Test match to help South Africa draw level in the series.

South Africa team management had confirmed that Kagiso Rabada ban would be appealed and hired advocate Dali Mpofu. After a six hour long hearing on Monday, his level 2 charge for physical contact was downgraded to a level 1 charge for conduct contrary to spirit of the game, with a 25% match fee fine and 1 demerit point, instead of the three he had initially been given by the match referee Jeff Crowe.

Now ICC has confirmed that Rabada has been cleared to play in the third Test against South Africa; but his fine and one demerit point stands.

South Africa and Australia will next play in Cape Town with series 1-1.

Here is the confirmation from ICC:

 

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 20 Mar, 2018

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