Kagiso Rabada Charged with Level 2 Offence, Might be Banned for a Couple of Tests

South African speedster Kagiso Rabada has been charged with Level 2 offence and in all likelihood will be banned from the remainder of the series. The hearing will be held tonight, and the fate of Rabada looks in jeopardy. During the opening day of the 2^nd Test in Port Elizabeth, Rabada was charged by OCC for making shoulder contact with Smith at the St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth. In all possibilities, Rabada will be banned for a couple of Tests and hence will be missing the 3^rd and the final Test.

Meanwhile after the day’s play, Tabada’s teammate Vernon Philander said it was for ICC to decide, but if he is not available, then his absence will surely leave a massive hole.

“That’s for the ICC to decide,” Vernon Philander said after the first day’s play. “He would leave a massive hole. He’s a big part of this bowling line-up.”

The Aussie skipper and Rabada brushed shoulders when the former was given out lbw. The contact was pretty minimal, but the ICC is known to be pretty strict with any physical contact. Article 42.3.1 of the Players Code of Conduct states that “making inappropriate and deliberate contact with another player” as a level two offence. It carries a fine sanction while he will also receive four demerit points.

Rabada has already received five demerit points

Rabada already received five demerit points against his name. Three among those 5 points happened last February when he made contact with Sri Lankan batsman Niroshan Dickwella as the ICC said it was an “avoidable contact”. He was further suspended for a solitary Test against England last year and also received a demerit point. He used foul language all through the match. It was the 1^st Test in Lords when Rabada screamed “F**k off after dismissing Ben Stokes.

https://twitter.com/AlauddinKhilj10/status/972088511703625728

Rabada picked up five demerit points last month. In 2016 he was again cited for foul language. Shikhar Dhawan was the batsman.

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