South Africa vs Australia | Nathan Lyon terms Kagiso Rabada’s participation ‘exciting’

Rabada was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after he picked up 3 demerit points (which took his tally to 8) for ‘deliberately’ brushing Steve Smith’s shoulder after dismissing him. However, the 22-year-old fast bowler appealed against ICC match referee Jeff Crowe’s sanction and the hearing was held on March 19. Judicial commissioner Michael Heron overturned Crowe's verdict and downgraded Rabada's charge and sanction to a level one offence, thereby clearing Rabada to play the third Test match. However, the fast bowler still has 7 demerit points against his name but more importantly for South Africa, he will take part in the crucial third Test in Cape Town. Australia spinner Nathan Lyon termed Rabada’s participation as ‘exciting’ and felt that the South African spearhead will challenge Australia. 

“The ICC has made their decision and we respect it, that’s their job. It’s not for me to sit here and say whether it is right or wrong. We have two massive test matches to come and we will have to play at our best to beat South Africa,” the offspinner said.

“We sat down and had a good debrief. If I am honest I thought we played at about 40 percent in PE. Another 100 runs and it would have been a helluva test match,” the 30-year-old added. 

The offspinner also said that there will be a team meeting to discuss where the team can get better.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh and seamer Mitchell Starc who were nursing injuries, groin and calf respectively, came through training on Tuesday after overcoming niggles and are available for selection. for the Cape Town Test.