Mitchell Starc praises Kagiso Rabada, says he will learn from his mistakes

South Africa’s star performer and pace bowler Kagiso Rabada was banned two days ago, from the remainder of the series against Australia, i.e. two Test matches, to be played at Cape Town and Johannesburg respectively. The ban came after the young bowler was found guilty of making a deliberate and wrongful physical contact with Australian captain Steve Smith – which handed Rabada his eighth demerit point in a period of two years.

Benefit for Australia, a loss for South Africa 

The pacer’s ban will come as a huge benefit for the Australians, whose batsmen were completely rattled by Rabada in the second Test at Port Elizabeth – in which he recorded figures of 11-150 and helped the Proteas level the series. Faf du Plessis’ side has not won a single home series over Australia since 1970, and the ban on Rabada further reduces their chances of breaking the jinx.

Opponent Mitchell Starc, following the ban, has come out in praise of the 22-year-old. Starc himself has been a fiery bowler booked a couple of times for violating the code of conduct.

“He’s only young and made a couple of mistakes,” Starc was quoted as saying on cricket.com.au. “He’s a fantastic bowler to watch when he’s in full flight and he’s going to keep taking wickets and keep celebrating. What’s he got now, four 10-for? Dale (Steyn) has got five in a crapload more Test matches,” he heaped praises on the rising star.

He further said that he has learned from his previous mistakes of violating the code of conduct and wished that Rabada to will learn from the ban he is serving.

“I’m sure he’ll learn going forward that you just can’t get that close to the batter and the umps are going to be on you at all times. It is very much a no-no … which I have learned in the past.”