SA vs AUS 2018: Smith-Rabada Incident Awaits Match Referee's Decision

South African fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada awaits a decision from the match referee post his shoulder contact with Steven Smith.

Meanwhile, South Africa has taken the upper hand on the first day of the second Test at Port Elizabeth. Further,

Rabada could face a two-match ban which will rule him out of the series.

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

Rabada-Smith incident:

Rabada and Smith came in shoulder contact after the latter was given out LBW at the score of 25.

Although the contact was minimal, ICC takes a dim view of any physical contact. Article 42.3.1 of the player’s code of conduct quotes “making inappropriate and deliberate contact with another player” as a level two offence. Also, it carries a sanction of a fine and either three or four demerit points.

Meanwhile, Rabada has already five demerit points to his name. Three out of those came in February last year after ICC deemed “avoidable” contact with Sri Lankan batsman Niroshan Dickwella.

Further, he served a one-match ban in England last year after earning one demerit point for using foul language after dismissing Ben Stokes.

However, last month he picked his fifth demerit point within a year after dismissing India’s Shikhar Dhawan. If he is found guilty of a level two offence for the Smith incident, he will break the eight-point mark that triggers a two-Test ban.

Previously, Smith said they would try to fire up Rabada keeping his five demerit points in mind.

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