Rabada's suspension overturned, he will play remaining Tests against Australia
What's the story
The ICC Code of Conduct appeal commissioner has overturned South African pacer Kagiso Rabada's two-match suspension. With this, Rabada has been allowed to play the remaining two Tests against Australia and is available for selection for the match in Newlands. After a marathon hearing on Monday, Rabada was found not-guilty of deliberately making physical contact with Australia skipper Steve Smith in the second Test.
Decision overturned
Relief for Rabada ahead of the third Test
A hearing before the Right Honourable Michael Heron QC on Monday saw the earlier charges being dropped against Rabada. Although he has still been fined 25% of his match-fee and has received one demerit point for breaching the conduct, which is contrary to the spirit of the game. But the bigger picture is that Rabada has been declared free to play with immediate effect.
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Mr Heron's findings after hearing
“The key issue is whether Mr Rabada made ‘inappropriate and deliberate physical contact’ with Mr. Smith. I am not ‘comfortably satisfied’ that Mr. Rabada intended to make contact and I therefore find him not guilty of the charge under 2.2.7." - Right Honourable Michael Heron QC pic.twitter.com/aFVR3OKdmq
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 20, 2018
Rabada charged
The earlier charge against Rabada
Earlier, the South African pacer was deemed to have deliberately made contact with Australian captain Steve Smith after dismissing him in the second Test. The punishment had taken his tally of demerit points to 8 in a 24-month period, that in turn resulted in a two-Test ban. He dismissed Smith and there was a physical contact when he went towards the slip-cordon to celebrate.
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Cricket South Africa confirms the same
"South Africa bowler Kagiso Rabada has been found not guilty of the charge of making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player following a hearing before the Right Honourable Michael Heron QC yesterday." - ICC press release. #RabadaAppeal pic.twitter.com/7t2yOGWNTk
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 20, 2018