ICC clears Rabada for Aussie Tests

CAPE TOWN, Mar 20 (AFP): South Africa's Kagiso Rabada was cleared to play the remaining two Tests against Australia after winning an appeal against his ban over an alleged shoulder barge on Tuesday.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said Rabada had been found not guilty of making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with Australian captain Steve Smith after taking his wicket during the second Test in Port Elizabeth last week.

Australian spin bowler Nathan Lyon said his side had "no dramas" with the decision to lift Rabada's ban and they were delighted to be facing "the number one bowler in the world" in the third Test starting at Newlands on Thursday.

Judicial commissioner Michael Heron of New Zealand found Rabada guilty of the lesser charge of conduct contrary to the spirit of the game following an appeal hearing on Monday.

Heron reduced Rabada's penalty from three demerit points to one, and reduced his fine from 50 per cent to 25 per cent of his match fee.

Rabada's total of demerit points was therefore reduced from nine to seven, one short of the threshold for an automatic two-Test ban.

Although the ICC announcement leaves Rabada free to play in the series that is locked at one win apiece, his cumulative points tally means that any further disciplinary action could result in a ban.

Heron said the key issue was whether Rabada made deliberate contact with Smith. "I am not 'comfortably satisfied' that Mr. Rabada intended to make contact," Heron said.

"I am entitled, however, to consider whether the conduct involved constitutes a lower-level offence.