Kagiso Rabada charged after clash with Aussie skipper Smith
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada could be out for the remainder of the Test series against Australia after he was found guilty of dissent. The youngster, who picked a five-for in the first innings of the ongoing second Test, has been charged with a level two breach of cricket's code of conduct. He is likely to face a two-match ban for the incident.
What happened on the field?
Rabada dismissed Steve Smith LBW in the first innings and made contact with the Australian captain after brushing his shoulders. On-field umpires charged the world number 2 Test bowler for the same and the player now needs to get the decision over-turned.
The current situation for the Proteas pacer
Rabada has five demerit points and faces another three that will rule him out of the remainder of the Test series. Match referee Jeff Crowe is set to hold a hearing after the end of day 3 on Sunday. The South African management has stated that it will contest the charge claiming it was on the basis of unintentional contact.
What does it mean for South Africa?
If Rabada fails to overturn the level-2 breach against him, he will not take part in the next two Tests. That in turn will be a deafening blow for South Africa, since Rabada is in top form. They trail the Aussies 1-0 in the series.
Sledging takes a new turn this series
The Proteas pacer was suspended for one Test last summer against England, following an altercation with all-rounder Ben Stokes. He has already collected five demerit points and could be handed 3-4 points and also be fined 50-100% match fee. This is also the second incident in this Test series after David Warner was fined for the ugly stairwell confrontation with Quinton de Kock.
