Kagiso Rabada was careful not to stray during his wicket celebrations © PA Photos
After being suspended from the second Test for using an expletive to send off Ben Stokes in the first innings at Lord’s, Kagiso Rabada has learnt his lesson about saying too much.
After dismissing Stokes for the second time, Rabada made it apparent he would not be saying anything when he put his finger to his lips as Stokes walked after being pinned lbw. And to make doubly sure silence was maintained, stand-in captain Dean Elgar covered Rabada’s mouth with his own hand.
Kagiso Rabada walks past Ben Stokes nonchalantly after dismissing him © Getty Images
On the first day of the Test, when Rabada had Stokes caught behind, the stump mic picked up Rabada telling the England allrounder to “f*** off.” That earned Rabada one demerit point, adding to the three he already had equating to a one-match suspension.
Several former and current cricketers including Graeme Smith have come out in Rabada’s defense and the man himself is said to be “heartbroken,” by the sanction.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s South Africa correspondent
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo