Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee has criticised the inconsistency of how the ICC’s Code of Conduct is applied.  

In a statement after Kagiso Rabada was found ‘not guilty’ of a Level 2 charge that would have seen him sit out of the rest of the Australia series, Moosajee said Cricket South Africa had no objection to the Code of Conduct, but rather the application of it.

‘The decision is great for the series and for Test cricket,’ said Dr Moosajee. ‘We believe that KG never deliberately charged Steve Smith with his shoulder. We will always support our players in situations like these where we believe the Code of Conduct has been unfairly applied and forced upon us.

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‘We do understand, though, that KG is quite a fiery character on the field, but there are rules and regulations that govern the conduct on the field. Like every other player, this applies to KG as well. He is the first to admit that he must take better responsibility and not be disrespectful.’

Proteas coach Ottis Gibson was happy to have Rabada back for the Newlands Test.

‘KG was going to be a big miss, and the reason CSA fought the case was because we did not believe it merited a suspension. We are delighted that we won that case,’ he said.

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‘Him being available lifts everybody. He has been outstanding in the series thus far and he is the No 1 bowler in the world.

‘The Aussies said they wanted to play against the best teams and the best players, so I am sure they are also delighted that he is playing. So is everyone concerned in cricket. We believe it is the right call.’

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