Ahead of the third Test against South Africa starting at Cape Town on Tuesday, Australia’s assistant coach Brad Haddin reckons that the absence of suspended South African pacer Kagiso Rabada is a bonus for the Aussies, especially after the four-match series is leveled at 1-1.

Rabada was suspended for the remainder of South Africa’s Test series after he was caught with a physical contact with the Australian skipper Steven Smith on Day One of the second Test in Port Elizabeth.

Also read: Rabada’s recent suspension forced Lungi Ngidi to rethink his actions

While Rabada and Cricket South Africa (CSA) are still weighing up whether to appeal the two-Test suspension, Haddin felt that the 22-year-old in form pacer’s absence would be a blessing for the Australians. Talking about the same, as quoted in cricket.com.au, Brad said, “It’s disappointing for the game that he’s not playing but from our point of view it’s a bonus because he is a class act.”

Rabada claimed 11/150 in South Africa’s six-wicket win in the second Test and Haddin says it’s a shame not to see the right-armer in action. He said, “He’s very impressive. For someone so young, the smartness he has with the ball in his hand, knowing when to go up and down gears and looking from the sidelines it looks like he really understands how to set up a batsman.”

Also read: Mitchell Starc Hails Kagiso Rabada’s Performance

He further elaborated, “For someone so young that’s quite impressive. I thought the spell in the second innings to go after (David) Warner and the openers, that was a pretty placid wicket, and from where I was sitting that was some pretty hostile bowling. He took it on himself there to get the big wicket of Davey (Warner). Davey played well in that first innings (for 60).”

Haddin also joined the tunes of former Proteas skipper Graeme Smith and current skipper Faf du Plessis as the latest voice calling for the focus to return to the battle between bat and ball by two evenly-matched teams. He said, “I think we’re giving it too much oxygen, to be honest. Everyone needs to take a step back. Let’s start playing cricket more on skill and less on emotion.”