South Africa vs Australia: Kagiso Rabada charged by ICC

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been charged by ICC with the level two offence for breaching the discipline during the first day of the second Test in Port Elizabeth. The hosts are lagging in the four-match series and have to perform well in order to make a comeback against the strong Australian side. Rabada came out with a special performance on the day which helped his team take the honours on the opening day. However, the official hearing over the matter will take place after the end of day’s play on Saturday.

The visitors were in a commanding position after opting to bat first and the fast bowler absolutely ran through their line-up just before the tea. He ended with the figures of 5/96 as Australia were folded for 243 after being 98/0 at one stage in the first session. The fired-up Rabada also got the prized scalp of Steve Smith and brushed his shoulder with him during the celebration of his wicket.

Rabada to contest the charge?

The charges on Rabada were laid by the on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Chris Gaffaney. The hearing will be conducted by the match-referee Jeff Crowe who was also at the helm during David Warner and Quinton de Kock spat. According to Times of India, however, CSA spokesperson has said that Kagiso Rabada would defend the charge and argue that the contact with the Aussie skipper was accidental.

If found guilty of the incident, the bowler could be fined between 50 and 100 percent of his match fee. Also, he will be penalised three or four demerit points which might lead him to be suspended from the rest of the series as he already has five demerit points to his name and he was also suspended during the Test series in England. Rabada’s absence for the next couple of matches would be a huge jolt for the home side as would be eyeing to win the series.

Here’s the video of the day:

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