South Africa’s star performer and pace bowler Kagiso Rabada has banned a couple of days back, from the remainder of the Test series against Australia, i.e. third and the fourth Test to be played at Cape Town and Johannesburg respectively. The ban came after the young bowler was found guilty of making an intentional and wrongful physical contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith – which handed Rabada his eighth demerit point in a period of two years.

The pacer’s ban will come as a huge benefit for the Aussies, whose batsmen were completely seen being outplayed by Rabada in the second Test at Port Elizabeth – in which he recorded figures of 11-150 and helped the Proteas level the series by 1-1. Faf du Plessis and his men have not won a single home series against Australia since 1970, and the ban on Rabada further reduces their chances of rewriting the history books.

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

Opponent speedster Mitchell Starc, following the ban, has come out in praise of the Rabada. Starc himself has been a passionate bowler booked a couple of times for dishonoring the code of conduct.

Hailing Rabada, As quoted in cricket.com.au, Starc said, “He’s only young and made a couple of mistakes. He’s a fantastic bowler to watch when he’s in full flight and he’s going to keep taking wickets and keep celebrating. What’s he got now, four 10-for? Dale (Steyn) has got five in a crapload more Test matches.”

Also read: Kagiso Rabada Introspects His Mistakes After The Ban

Talking about Kagiso further, Starc said that he has learned from his previous mistakes of violating the code of conduct and wished that Rabada to will learn from the ban he is serving. He said, “I’m sure he’ll learn going forward that you just can’t get that close to the batter and the umps are going to be on you at all times. It is very much a no-no … which I have learned in the past.”