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Kagiso Rabada free to play for South Africa in final two Australia Tests after ban reduced on appeal

PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 09: Kagiso Rabada of South Africa celebrates the wicket of Steven Smith (capt) of Australia during day 1 of the 2nd Sunfoil Test match between South Africa and Australia at St George's Park on March 09, 2018 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Image: Kagiso Rabada's two-Test ban has been reduced on appeal

Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to play for South Africa in the remaining two Tests of their series against Australia after his ban was rescinded on appeal.

The fast bowler was originally found guilty of a Level Two breach of the ICC code of conduct for brushing the shoulder of Australia captain Steve Smith after he dismissed him in the second Test in Port Elizabeth.

Rabada was fined 50 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points - taking him over the eight-point threshold in a 24-month period that results in an automatic two-Test ban.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 06:  Steve Smith of Australia walks back to the rooms after being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada of South Africa during day four of
Image: Rabada brushed the shoulder of Steve Smith after dismissing him in the second Test in Port Elizabeth, resulting in the Level Two breach of the ICC code of conduct

However, Rabada's punishment has now been reduced to a 25 per cent fine and one demerit point - he now has seven, one under the threshold and as a result, his ban has been rescinded.

Judicial Commissioner Michael Heron, who did find Rabada guilty of the lesser charge of 'conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game', said: "I am not comfortably satisfied that Mr Rabada intended to make contact and I therefore find him not guilty of the charge.

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"However, I consider the conduct was inappropriate, lacked respect for his fellow player and involved non-deliberate and minor contact."

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Rabada is now free to take part in the third Test in Cape Town, which begins on Thursday and is live on Sky Sports.

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