Faf – Rabada mustn’t lose his fire

Rabada was given a one match ban for swearing at England allrounder Ben Stokes in the first innings at Lord’s. Rabada finally managed to dismiss Stokes, who was looking comfortable after racking up a half century, but he couldn’t contain his emotion and swore audibly at the departing Englishman.

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The latest incident means Rabada will miss the second Test with too many ICC demerit points to his name, leaving the Proteas without one of their go-to bowlers at Trent Bridge.

Nevertheless Du Plessis, who watched from sidelines in the first Test, said Rabada’s character is crucial to his success as a cricketer.

“I would never say to KG ‘change the way that you are’. It’s important that he plays the way he does; I think every guy needs their natural instinct and personality. I would never expect him to apologise to the team, for me that was just showing what he’s made of,” Du Plessis said.

“He wants to do desperately well for his country and obviously it’s a big disappointment not having him. He’s a big part of this team and in a big Test series like this you want your best players competing.”

There was plenty of irony in the aftermath of the incident, as Stokes himself has been on the receiving end of criticism about his own ‘fiery’ character. Having played with Stokes personally, Du Plessis brushed off suggestions that players targeted the red-headed Englishman.

“I don’t think it was anything to do with Ben. I think it was a little bit of frustration from KG, he didn’t have the rhythm he wanted. I’ve played with Ben and I can tell you he is just as fiery, that’s what makes him so competitive and skilful. I called him the dragon in the IPL because he breathes fire when he gets angry. It’s important to have character that comes through like that and that’s why I say KG mustn’t lose that.”