Kagiso Rabada the South African right arm fast bowler was charged with an offense of making deliberate physical contact during the second test versus Australia by the ICC.
A charge which ICC earlier suspended Rabada for the two upcoming test matches. The option of appealing the result was there with Rabada and he did.
In the official ICC statement, Michael Heron stated, “The key issue is whether Mr. Rabada made ‘inappropriate and deliberate physical contact’ with Mr. Smith. I am not ‘comfortably satisfied’ that Mr. Rabada intended to make contact and me, therefore, find him not guilty of the charge under 2.2.7.
And so, Kagiso Rabada has been found not guilty of making any inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with Steve Smith. It always looked unintentional the touching of the shoulder and now it”s been officially confirmed by Michael Heron who overseen the hearing yesterday.
Rabada has been found out of the mistake of conducting behavior not good of spirit of the game. And subsequently has been charged 25% of his match fee and one demerit point. This increases his demerit point tally to 7.
“I am entitled, however, to consider whether the conduct involved constitutes a lower level offense. I consider the conduct was inappropriate, lacked respect for his fellow player and involved non-deliberate and minor contact. The actions contravened the principle that a dismissed batsman should be left alone.” as Heron confirmed.
Kagiso Rabada is available for South Africa to play in the ongoing series with immediate effect.