Cast aside emotions and play
BRAD Haddin has called on Australia and South Africa to cut the carry-on and decide the controversy-marred series on skill and not ill-will.
The former Australian wicketkeeper hopes that the suspension dished out to Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada serves as a circuit-breaker for the emotion-charged sideshow that has derailed the focus on a series poised for an epic finish at 1-1.
South Africa were 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 who already have 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 two 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,” said Haddin.
“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 some cricket on skill and leave that other stuff to the side.
“It’s disappointing for Rabada, but he’ll have an interesting couple of Test matches (now).
“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.
“It will be interesting to see how he comes back.”
Australian spearhead Mitchell Starc learnt the hard way about what happens when you dish out send-offs to batsmen, and believes the ICC rules are clear. Starc described Rabada as an all-time great in the making.