Appeal clears Rabada for Test
SOUTH African superstar Kagiso Rabada has been sensationally cleared to play in tomorrow’s third Test against Australia in a bombshell backflip by the International Cricket Council.
Rabada has been found not guilty on appeal of making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with Steve Smith in the second Test – a remarkable decision that has given the series a boost and the Proteas a massive advantage heading into the pivotal showdown in Cape Town.
However, the landmark decision also raises serious questions about the credibility of the ICC’s disciplinary system, after a Judicial Commissioner essentially rubbished the original findings of match referee Jeff Crowe.
Despite the fact Rabada, 22, got right in the face of Smith to send- him off as he celebrated his wicket, and has five other disciplinary offences against his name – including making physical contact with players – he was given the benefit of the doubt by the Judicial Commissioner, Michael Heron.
Rabada has himself publicly conceded that he overstepped the mark in Port Elizabeth and South African captain Faf du Plessis had admitted that South Africa was “zero” chance of winning their appeal.
Yet the world’s No. 1 fast bowler returned to training last night having had his original charge thrown out and replaced with a lower spirit of cricket charge which came with only one demerit point.
High- profile advocate Dali Mpofu has pulled off a seem- ingly impossible result for South African cricket and Australia must now confront not only the game’s most feared quick but a tidal wave of momentum running against them if they’re to win the series.
New Zealand QC Heron heard a six- hour appeal last night and concluded that while Rabada’s conduct was contrary to the spirit of the game, the physical brush was deemed not deliberate.
Overturning ICC decisions is rare, but still, Rabada has come down below the eight- point suspension threshold from nine demerit points to seven.
Australia are likely to be privately furious about the decision, adamant that Rabada’s guilt in the matter was clear.
Tensions in an already explosive series will once again be pushed to the limits.
It’s an extraordinary condemnation of highly respected match referee Crowe’s original, considered judgment that had Rabada positively guilty of the contact and therefore rubbed out for the rest of the series.