Rabada reprimanded with additional ICC charge

What’s brewing?

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada founds himself in more hot water as the rookie pacer reported for his send-off of Australia’s vice-captain David Warner. The incident took place on the third day of the Port Elizabeth Test when the pacer after having foxed Warner with an absolute snorter to rattle the southpaw’s defense proceeded to give an aggressive send-off. Rabada has been charged with a Level 1 offense that carries with it two demerit points along with a 50% sanction from the match fee.

In case you don’t know…

The on-going Test series between Australia and South Africa has seen a series of ugly spats between cricketers from both sides. Following the Stairway Brawl that ensued in the preceding Test between Warner and de Kock, the second Test saw Kagiso Rabada en route to a devastating spell in the first innings during which he took five wickets in 18 deliveries, get involved in a physical altercation to which the bowler has allegedly argued that it was not intentional.

Rabada has been charged four times by the ICC, two of which have been for send-offs. If the match referee clears Rabada for the Smith incident, then the fast bowler would not face suspension if given a maximum of two demerit point penalty. However, a worst case scenario following his charges would leave the 22-year-old with a cumulative 11 demerit points that would stay on his record for a period of 23 months.

 Read: The Stairway Brawl

Our Take:

The 22-year-old pacer has been a revelation for the Proteas in the 2nd Test having picked up 11 wickets (5-96 & 6-54). Thus, his suspension would have a substantial bearing on the outcome of the series.