Kagiso Rabada has been left “heartbroken” by the suspension that means he misses Trent Bridge Test that begins on Friday but his South Africa team-mate Temba Bavuma insists the fast bowler is fully accepting of the decision and there is no lingering sense of injustice.
The 22-year-old’s punishment was triggered by an industrial send-off aimed at England’s Ben Stokes on the first day here,. He came into the series with three disciplinary points on his record that meant he was one minor transgression away from a one-match ban.
Asked if the South Africa squad were frustrated with the authorities regarding Rabada’s impending absence, Bavuma replied: “Not necessarily. He is an emotional character. He didn’t purposely act like that but he was fully aware of the consequences.
“He’s been dealt with accordingly. I know he’s quite heartbroken as he feels he has let down the team but we fully understand. Everything happened in the heat of the moment and we just have to move forward from there.”
That the ICC match referee, Jeff Crowe, was able to charge Rabada for swearing at Stokes after the dismissal was because of the audio provided by the stump microphones and has given rise to the debate of whether, in a heated professional sport, they should be used.
Jimmy Anderson, a seamer never short of a word or two in the middle, is content they remain on. “The stump microphone does enhance the game When I watch the game, I like having it there. It’s the players’ duty to know it’s there and it can be turned up quite loud sometimes,” England’s record wicket-taker said.
“[Rabada’s ban] is obviously good for us, because he’s an outstanding bowler. It’s a tough one because for me – I like to see bowlers playing with aggression and passion, which he obviously does. But the scrutiny we’re under with [technology] you can’t get away with anything. There is a line that the ICC have drawn and you have to stay the right side of it.”
Before thoughts turn to Trent Bridge there is a Test to be won and Anderson was wholehearted in his praise of Alastair Cook. The former England captain is playing his first match among the rank and file for five years, with his unbeaten 59 swelling the team’s lead to 216 going into the fourth day on a turning pitch with variable bounce.
Anderson, who claimed two for 44 with the ball and inflicted the bruised hand that left Vernon Philander unable to bowl for the tourists in the second innings, said: “You wouldn’t want anyone else in that position to graft through an evening session [than Cook] and it has put us in a good position.
“He does seem more relaxed. It’s probably a strange week for him because there’s a new captain here and I’m sure he’s going to be missing it to an extent but it’s great opportunity to show people he’s still hungry to score runs. He’s in great form for Essex and we’re just glad he’s out there for us still and churning them out for us.”
On the start made by Root, the seventh captain he has played under during his own career, Anderson said: “It’s been really good. He did a brilliant job in the field. He tried to be positive and rotated the bowlers well, keeping the spells short in hot weather. The guys are enjoying him and looking forward to the next few weeks.”
