Rabada told to not say sorry

When Kagiso Rabada (above) took his three wickets in England’s second innings, Dean Elgar jokingly put his hand over the strapping fast bowler’s mouth.

After all, the day before the 22-year-old had been suspended for Friday’s second Test in Nottingham after swearing at the home side’s Ben Stokes.

For returning Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, it’s not a laughing matter. He doesn’t even want Rabada to apologise for his actions.

“I would never expect him to apologise to the team. For me that’s showing what you’re made of. He is showing that he wants to do desperately well for his country. It’s a big disappointment for us not having him,” said Du Plessis.

“It’s a shame. He is a real big part of this team. In big Test series like this you want to see your big Test players compete against each other.”

Rabada’s ban has divided opinion the past few days, with fans believing the quick undermined his team unnecessarily in such an important series.

Du Plessis’ biggest fear is that the sanction could prevent Rabada from expressing himself naturally in future.

“I would never say to Kagiso to change the way he is,” he said.

The Proteas will look at either Duanne Olivier, Chris Morris or Andile Phehlukwayo to replace Rabada for Trent Bridge.

Du Plessis. who missed the first Test due to the birth of his first child, is set to replace either Theunis de Bruyn or JP Duminy.