Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has hailed International Cricket Council after it lifted the two-Test ban on Kagiso Rabada. The Proteas star was handed a two-Test ban after coming into contact with Australia captain Steve Smith during the second Test.
That controversial collision had earned Rabada three demerit points that resulted in an automatic suspension from the rest of the series. However, the ICC overturned its decision following a six-hour appeal on Monday night.
On day one of the second Test, Rabada had screamed “yes, yes, yes” after having Smith trapped lbw. He then charged in the direction of Smith and then made contact with his shoulder on his way to celebrating with team-mates. He had entered the game on five demerit points, and the incident took him to eight. As a result, he was automatically banned for two Tests,
However, he was found not guilty of the charge of making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with Smith. Instead, he was found guilty of conduct contrary to the spirit of the game. Independent commissioner Michael Heron imposed a sanction fine of 25 percent of his match fee and one demerit point.
Meanwhile, the decision has attracted mixed reactions from the cricketing fraternity. And while many are criticising the decision, Vaughan has hailed the governing body for the same. Vaughan was one of the many who had slammed ICC for the ban.
Miandad attacked DK Lillee with a Bat … Ambrose squared up to Steve Waugh … Holding kicked stumps out of the ground … Gatting pointed his finger in an umpires face … But the game is terrible now because of a few Words !!!!!!!! #MyArse
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 14, 2018
Test Cricket needs every star playing … I don’t see many being banned from T20 cricket … Such a shame Rabida is going to miss games … I guess Test Cricket is flying so it doesn’t matter !!!!!!! #SAvAUS
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 12, 2018
And so when the ICC changed its decision, Vaughan took to Twitter to praise it.
“Well done ICC .. Common sense prevails .. #Rabada,” he tweeted.
Well done ICC .. Common sense prevails .. #Rabada
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 20, 2018
Meanwhile, the four-Test series is currently locked at 1-1. Rabada’s incredible 11-wicket haul had helped the Proteas win the second Test.
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