South Africa vs Australia: Kagiso Rabada wins appeal against level two offence, cleared to play for upcoming Test

South Africa paceman Kagiso Rabada cleared to play international cricket with immediate effect after he won his appeal against level two offence, making him available for selection for Newlands Test against Australia.

Rabada has been found not guilty of the charge of making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player following a hearing before the judicial commissioner Michael Heron Queen's Commission on Monday.

Rabada was charged after he brushed against the shoulder of Australia captain Steven Smith in the second test in Port Elizabeth.

Kagiso Rabada cleared to play international cricket with immediate effect after he won his appeal against level two offence. AFP

However, the fast bowler was found guilty of conduct that was contrary to the spirit of the game, an offence under Article 2.1.1 of the Code.

Mr Heron imposed a sanction of a fine of 25% of his match fee and handed him one demerit point, taking his current tally of the demerit points to an accumulated total of 7 thereby making him available to play with immediate effect.

In his summary, Mr Heron outlined his findings:

“The key issue is whether Mr Rabada made ‘inappropriate and deliberate physical contact’ with Mr Smith. I am not ‘comfortably satisfied’ that Mr Rabada intended to make contact and I therefore find him not guilty of the charge under 2.2.7.

“I am entitled, however, to consider whether the conduct involved constitutes a lower level offence. I consider the conduct was inappropriate, lacked respect for his fellow player and involved non-deliberate and minor contact. The actions contravened the principle that a dismissed batsman should be left alone.

“I consider a penalty of the imposition of a fine of 25% of the applicable match fee to be the appropriate penalty for the breach of Article 2.1.1. As a consequence, 1 demerit point accrues. Mr. Rabada will be well aware of the consequences of any further breaches of the code.”

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "The ICC wholly accepts today’s decision and I would like to thank Mr. Heron for overseeing the hearing in a short time frame before the next Test starts in South Africa.

“This is perhaps an opportune moment to remind all players of their responsibilities to maintaining a standard of behaviour which sets a good example to players at all levels of the game, especially the young players. We want to see the game played with skill, passion and respect for the opposition, the match officials and the laws.”

With inputs from ICC press release