South Africa vs Australia: Kagiso Rabada's ban hearing scheduled for March 19

Kagiso Rabada has been in the news right from the start of the second Test in Port Elizabeth. On the first day, he produced a magical spell where he took 5 wickets in the span of 18 balls and ran through the Australian batting line-up. However, he was so fired up that he bumped into Steve Smith while celebrating the Aussie skipper dismissal. 

The match referee felt that Rabada made “inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player”. Hence, the South African pacer was charged for his actions. Rabada, who already had 5 demerit points, received three more for his actions. Thus, his tally went to eight which resulted in a two-match ban. However, the 22-year old pacer appealed against the Level 2 breach which was levied against him. 

Kagiso Rabada will have his appeal against a Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct heard on Monday, the ICC said through a statement on Friday. It also stated that Michael Heron of New Zealand has been appointed as the Judicial Commissioner for the hearing. He will hence have 48 hours (just before the third Test starts). 

“Michael Heron QC of New Zealand has been appointed as the Judicial Commissioner for the hearing, which will be held via video conference. Mr. Heron will then have 48 hours to arrive at a decision,” the ICC statement read.

Rabada had challenged the decision of the match referee and said that the contact was not deliberate.

“If I knew I did it deliberately, I wouldn't have gone to contest (the charge). I didn't even feel contact in that moment because I was so pumped up,” Rabada told reporters after the game. 

With the third Test starting March 22, South Africa will be eagerly waiting for the hearing since Rabada has been in superb form and has been an integral part of their side in the last two years.