SA vs AUS 2018: Ottis Gibson expects Kagiso Rabada to be more matured in Cape Town

The third Test starts from March 22.

ISS has cleared Rabada to play in the last two Test matches. (Getty)

Kagiso Rabada has become a household name in the Test series against Australia after his ugly altercation with Steve Smith in the second Test match in Port Elizabeth. Things went out of control as he was banned by the ICC for two Test matches. 

Rabada then appealed against ICC's verdict which was finally turned down and now he is free to play the last two decisive Tests. 

South Africa coach Ottis Gibson has said that after all the controversies surrounding him, he believes the world's best test bowler Kagiso Rabada has learnt from his brush with suspension and expects more mature on-field behavior in the third test against Australia starting in Cape Town on Thursday.

"He has been made very aware of his on-field celebrations," Gibson told reporters on Tuesday.

"He's not a bad kid, he is a bit over-exuberant at times. But there was not aggressive intent there apart from celebrating a wicket. He's a smart kid and I am sure he has learnt his lesson. I don't expect he will make the same mistake."

"The number one bowler in the world being allowed to play cricket is exciting for everybody concerned. We are very happy he is allowed to play, we all believe it is the right decision at the end of the day."

"We have made him aware of responsibilities for the team, he is a very important player."

Gibson added that Rabada is raring to go in the third test as he seeks to add to his 15 wickets in the series that have come at a cost of just 16.80 runs each, the best return from a bowler on either side.

"He's a strong character. He came after six hours (in the appeal hearing) yesterday and all he wanted to do was practice," Gibson said. "Him being available lifts everybody, he is the best bowler in the world."

He concluded by saying that the team management will decide on the final playing XI after the final practice session. "We are still putting together the final XI at this stage, we don't know where we will try to make a change. That will become a lot clearer this afternoon after practice. We are trying to win a series, we will select a team to do that," he concluded. 

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 21 Mar, 2018

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