England vs South Africa 2017 – Kagiso Rabada Suspended From Second Test
Jul 8, 2017 at 11:37 AM
The ongoing Test series between hosts England and South Africa has been rocked by a massive controversy, surrounding Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada.
South Africa’s spearhead with the ball, Rabada, has been banned for the second Test of the series, following an ICC Code of Conduct Breach. Post dismissing England all-rounder Ben Stokes on the first day of the game, Rabada gave a fiery send-off, which was noted by the umpires.
Based on the reports by the umpires, the match referee, Jeff Crowe, gave Rabada demerit points for his offence. In correspondence with the ICC norms, Rabada apparently breached an ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to suspension from the next international game. Thus, South Africa will be without the services of their gun pacer Kagiso Rabada for the second Test at Nottingham.
The offence for which Rabada currently faces a ban deals with the reward of demerit points for individuals involved in maligning activities such as provoking send-offs. The pacer did precisely that after abusing Ben Stokes when he dismissed the southpaw on the first day at Lord’s. The prospects of a ban are likely when the offence is repeated.
By the close of the second day, hosts England were in a commanding position having posted 458 in the first innings. At stumps, in reply to the hosts’ score, South Africa were 214-5, having lost their main batsmen already.
In a press release, the ICC elaborated on Rabada’s offences.
“As such, Rabada has been suspended from his side’s second Test against England, which will be played at Tent Bridge from 14-18 July.Following this suspension, the four demerit points will remain on Rabada’s disciplinary record. If he reaches the next threshold of eight or more demerit points within a 24-month period, then they will be converted into four suspension points. Four suspension points equate to a ban from one Test and two ODIs or two T20Is, two Tests or four ODIs or four T20Is, whatever comes first for the player,” the report concluded.
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