Rabada banned for final South Africa-England Test over Root celebration

Kagiso Rabada was given a one-Test ban after breaching the ICC code of conduct for his celebration after getting Joe Root out in the ongoing third test.

Kagiso Rabada was found guilty of using "language, actions or gestures" which could provoke an aggressive response from the batsman (File Photo).

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been banned from the series-deciding final cricket Test against England.

Rabada was given a one-Test ban after breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct for his celebration after getting England captain Joe Root out on the first day of the ongoing third test in Port Elizabeth. Rabada ran through and celebrated — fist pumping and screaming — close to Root after bowling him.

He was found guilty of using "language, actions or gestures" which could provoke an aggressive response from the batsman. The 24-year-old Rabada was given one demerit point for the offense but it’s his fourth demerit in the last two years, which results in a one-match ban.

Rabada was charged with the offense in Port Elizabeth by match referee Andy Pycroft. He pleaded guilty and accepted the punishment.

It’s a major boost for England’s hopes of winning the four-test series and a major blow for South Africa’s. Rabada is the No. 4-ranked bowler in the world and South Africa’s spearhead. The fourth test starts next Friday in Johannesburg. The South Africa-England series is tied at 1-1.