South Africa were dealt a huge blow on Monday after pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was suspended for two Tests by the ICC following the Proteas’ series levelling win in the second Test.
The youngster was found guilty of a Level Two offence for making contact with the shoulder of Steve Smith following the Australian skipper’s dismissal in the first innings at Port Elizabeth.
He was subsequently hit by another Level One charge in the second innings after he screamed in the face of David Warner as the batsman made his way back to the pavilion.
After a lengthy one-hour hearing by match-referee Jeff Crowe, the 22-year-old was found guilty of both the charges.
As a result, he has been slapped with a fine of 50 per cent of his match fees along with three demerit points for the Level Two offence. He has been handed a further 15 per cent fine and a solitary demerit point for the Level One offence.
This means that Rabada, who came into the Test with five demerit points already to his name, now has nine. This in effect has resulted in a two-Test suspension and means that the fast-bowler will miss the remainder of the four-match series.
Rabada had taken a five-for in both innings during South Africa’s six-wicket win, capturing his fourth ten-wicket haul of his career in the process. His suspension is a huge blow for the Proteas and they will be hoping that Dale Steyn can make his expected comeback for the third Test to bolster the pace attack.
