Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada says he was caught off-guard by the International Cricket Council’s decision to give him a demerit point for his gedrag in the third Test against England at St George’s Park.
Rabada was given a demerit point for his celebration after taking the wicket of Joe Root in England’s only innings of the match and was subsequently banned for the fourth and final Test at the Wanderers after accumulating his fourth demerit point in a 24-month period.
The 24-year-old was in hot water for his wicket celebrations last season as well when Australia were in town.
And of his ban, Rabada says: “It’s something I didn’t expect - whether it was the right thing to ban [me] or not, the reality is I am [banned].
“It can’t keep happening - I’m letting the team and myself down.
“That’s why it hurts so much.”
Rabada’s ban opens the door for either left-arm quick Beuran Hendricks or any of allrounders Dwaine Pretorius or Andile Phehlukhwayo to come into the side.
AN ALLROUND OPTION: Andile Phehlukwayo, left. Picture: Twitter
The speedster is convinced that whoever gets selected will make the team proud.
He says: “I have belief in anyone coming into my spot. He’s got the potential to knock anyone over.
“It’s a special thing to get picked for Proteas.
PACE: Beuran Hendricks. Picture: Twitter
“It hurts [that I will miss out, but it] gives me a chance to work on my game and have a bit of a rest.”
With South Africa losing the third Test in PE by an innings and 53 runs, Rabada is convinced that they can bounce back at the Bullring and level the four-match series - even without him in the team.
SOLID: Dwaine Pretorius. Picture: Twitter
He says: “We can go there and have an unbelievable Test match - it’s highly possible and quite likely.
“As long as we don’t lose determination, which I don’t think we will.”