South Africa pace bowler Kagiso Rabada cleared to play against Australia

South Africa paceman Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to play in the Third Test against Australia, having won his appeal against a breach of the ICC code of conduct.

Rabada had his punishment for brushing against the shoulder of Australia captain Steven Smith in the Second Test in Port Elizabeth reduced from a Level Two offence — a fine of 50 per cent of his match fee and three demerit points — to a 25 per cent fine and one demerit point.

However, he was found guilty of a lesser charge of “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game”.

That leaves Rabada’s total of demerit points over the past 24 months on seven, one fewer than the threshold that would trigger an automatic two-match suspension. He received a demerit point for a send-off to Australia opener David Warner in the same game.

Rabada’s successful appeal means he is free to play in Cape Town on Thursday, with the tempestuous four-match series square at 1-1.

The world No1 Test bowler admitted he needed to tone down his celebrations in the wake of the Smith incident but maintained that the contact was accidental.