SA vs 2018: Faf du Plessis praises fair judgement over Rabada's suspension

Rabada is available for the last two Test matches against Australia.

Rabada has been South Africa's strike bowler in the series. ( AFP)

South African skipper Faf du Plessis has hailed the judgment of  Kagiso Rabada's suspension after he was allowed to play the remaining two Test matches of the ongoing series against Australia. 

Rabada was banned by ICC after his ugly altercation with Australian skipper Steve Smith where he rubbed his shoulders against him and also gave him an unwelcoming send-off. 

Rabada then appealed against his ban by the ICC which after a thorough investigation was taken off by the governing body. 

I wish I had this judge with me in Australia!" Du Plessis joked in reference to a sanction of three demerit points he received for alleged ball tampering in 2016.

"It's good for the game. I don't see a problem with having a fair system where a neutral guy sits and makes a decision after listening to both parties. There should be a fair process."

Proteas are still unsure over two selections ahead of the crucial third test against Australia at Newlands on Thursday as captain Faf du Plessis hailed the "fair" process that made fast bowler Kagiso Rabada available for the game.

Du Plessis revealed on Wednesday that all-rounder Chris Morris and seamer Duanne Olivier had been released from the expanded 17-man squad, but that the home side were still mulling over two positions.

Middle-order batsman Temba Bavuma is fit again after a finger injury and is contesting a place with Theunis de Bruyn, who played in the first two tests but averaged only 19.

"We have a lot of confidence in Temba, he has not had a lot of cricket recently but the quality is there and it is a good ground for him," Du Plessis told reporters of Bavuma, who scored his only test century at Newlands against England in 2016.

Faf spoke more about his bowling resources for the third Test. Morne Morkel will once again lead the bowling attack in his final series for South Africa. He is three away from 300 Test wickets and partnering him will be Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada who has been given the green signal to play the last two Test matches. Du Plessis added that selection discussions always involve ensuring the side meets the transformation goals of Cricket South Africa. 

Choosing a fully fit eleven for the third Test will be the prime focus, said Faf du Plessis. 

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 22 Mar, 2018

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