Kagiso Rabada ban triggers dispute ahead of fourth Test

Kagiso Rabada was criticised by former West Indies fast bowling great Michael Holding and ex-England batsman Kevin Pietersen on Friday amid heated debate over decision to ban him from fourth and final Test against England.

South Africa fast bowler pleaded guilty to a level one breach of International Cricket Council's code of conduct because of way he celebrated dismissal of England captain Joe Root during first day of third Test at St George's Park on Thursday.

He was fined 15 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point. As it was his fourth demerit point in a 24-month period he incurred an automatic one-match ban, ruling him out of next week's fourth Test in Johannesburg.

READ | KL Rahul's Versatility Lauded By Twitterati, Harsha Bhogle Sums Up Innings With 'class'

"He has to learn," said Holding, who was commentating for SuperSport television.

"You can't keep making same mistakes. He has to remember he is damaging his team. South Africa without Rabada at Wanderers -- that's a big blow." 

After bowling Root, Rabada charged down pitch before celebrating with fists clenched almost within touching distance of England captain.

READ | IND Vs AUS: Kuldeep Yadav Picks Up His 100th ODI Wicket To Trigger Batting-order Collapse

Rabada pleaded guilty to "using langu, actions or gestures which dispar or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his or her dismissal".

Fellow commentator Pietersen said way Rabada got close to batsmen after dismissing m was unacceptable.

"He shouldn't be celebrating in a batsman's personal ," he said, adding Rabada had behaved in a similar way after dismissing Zak Crawley during second Test in Cape Town.

"I feel sorry for (South African captain) Faf du Plessis and (coach) Mark Boucher," said Pietersen. 

"South Africa are going to miss ir strike bowler at Wanderers."

However, former England captain Nasser Hussain defended Rabada.

"Cricket has shot itself in foot," Hussain told Sky Sports.

READ | Ben Stokes tches Up A Brilliant Century On His Way To Add Ar Fear To His Cap

"Was re any physical contact? Was re any sledging? A bowler showed some emotion.

"I don't think he made a mistake yesterday. He was foolish for someone on three demerit points to do that. I think we're sanitising game if we can't have anything like that." 

He said fans who had bought tickets to see Rabada bowl in fourth Test would feal cheated.

Ar ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan also backed South African bowler.

READ | Ollie Pope Slams Maiden Test Ton As England Continue To Dominate Third Test

"Rabada getting a one game ban for celebrating taking wicket of opponents best player is absolutely bonkers..." he tweeted.

"Over rates & slow play thing gets done ... Celebrate a wicket and you are banned ... World is bloody nuts ..."

Im Credits: AP