GET ON WITH THE GAME
BRAD Haddin has called on Australia and South Africa to cut out the carry-on and decide the controversy-marred series on skill and not ill-will.
The former Aussie wicketkeeper hopes the suspension dished out to Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada serves as a circuit-breaker for the sideshow that has derailed the focus on a series poised for an epic finish at 1-1.
South Africa was still considering dropping another bombshell on the tour and launching a legal challenge against Rabada’s ban by exploring labour law regulations.
However, overturning Rabada’s two-match ban would appear highly unlikely and Haddin says the sidelining of the game’s best fast bowler should serve as a wake-up call to two teams that have already copped five ICC charges between them.
Australian assistant coach Haddin was involved in plenty of spirited showdowns with South African teams over the years, but has declared it’s time for the heavyweights to shut up and get on with the cricket.
“I think we’re giving it too much oxygen, to be honest. Everyone needs to take a step back. Let’s start playing cricket more on skill and less on emotion,” Haddin said.
“Both sides have been guilty of things they’re probably not proud of over the last two Test matches. But we’re one-all, it’s time to play cricket on skill and leave the other stuff to the side.
“It’s disappointing for Rabada, but he’ll have an interest- ing couple of Test matches. I know the South Africans, playing us, I’ve heard them say a couple of times this is their big series and now he’s got to sit back and watch what’s going on out there.
“It will be interesting to see how he comes back after that, because he’ll be hurting, no doubt, over the next couple of Test matches.”
Veteran quick Dale Steyn is no chance of making a return in Cape Town and will try to be right for the fourth and final Test in Johannesburg.