adminCAPE TOWN. — Australia’s cricketers are “excited” by the ICC ruling that will allow Kagiso Rabada to play in the last two Tests of the series against South Africa’s Proteas. News broke yesterday that the ICC had given Rabada one demerit point instead of the initial three following his “shoulder brush” with Aussie captain Steve Smith in Port Elizabeth.
The initial punishment had put Rabada over the eight demerit point threshold for the past 24 months and meant that he was suspended for two Tests.
But, after his successful appeal, he is back down to seven demerit points and is now available for selection in Cape Town for the third Test tomorrow.
Rabada’s match figures of 11/150 in the second Test in Port Elizabeth were ultimately the difference between the sides as South Africa clawed their way back into the series with a six-wicket win, and his return is obviously a huge boost for the hosts.
But, addressing media at Newlands yesterday.
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon said that he and his team-mates welcomed the decision from the ICC.
“It’s exciting,” Lyon said.
“As Australian cricketers we always want to play against the best players in the world and KG is the No 1 bowler in the world. It’s going to be another great challenge for all of us. — Reuters
Online Reporter