SA vs AUS 2018: Nathan Lyon awaiting a face -off with Kagiso Rabada in Cape Town Test

ICC has lifted its ban from Rabada.

Rabada was banned for his tip off with Smith. (Getty)

March 22 will be the date which kicks off the third Test between South Africa and Australia at Newlands in Cape Town. Earlier today, ICC has granted Kagiso Rabada to play in the next two Test matches after Rabada earlier contested against ICC for handing him the charges. 

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. 

Meanwhile, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon is excited for a face-off against Rabada's after learning ICC's verdict on him. "It's exciting, as Australian cricketers we always want to play against best and he is the number one bowler in the world, so it will be a challenge for all of us that have to bat," Lyon told reporters.

"The ICC has made their decision and we respect it, that's their job. It's not for me to sit here and say whether it is right or wrong. We have two massive Test matches to come and we will have to play at our best to beat South Africa."

As per Lyon Australia only played 50 percent of their best cricket in their loss against South Africa in the second Test match in Port Elizabeth. "We sat down and had a good debrief. If I am honest I thought we played at about 40 percent in PE. Another 100 runs and it would have been a helluva Test match," Lyon said.
"We will have a team meeting tonight to sit and discuss where we can better. The pitch is interesting, it looks a pretty good wicket. It's a helluva series with two top teams going at it."

Meanwhile, Lyon who had achieved a lot of success in red ball cricket in 2017 picking up 63 wickets wants to build upon his success this year as well. 

"I think I have played my role (in the series), but credit to South Africa, they have played me well on spinning wickets. I am just trying to hold up an end up and challenge these guys' defences," Lyon said. 

The third Test match starts March  22 giving both teams to take the upper hand after two evenly contested Test matches. 

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 20 Mar, 2018

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