Kagiso Rabada can make the most of his reprieve

Third Test: South Africa v Australia
Sky Sports Cricket, 8am Thursday

Two games into South Africa and Australia’s four-match Test series and there has been only one topic of discussion: the war of words.

Tensions had reached boiling point long before South Africa levelled the series in Port Elizabeth so a break of ten days ought to have helped cool off the sides a little at least.

The bad blood has detracted from what has been a hugely exciting series played between arguably the best two sides in the world at present.

Bookmakers are struggling to split the pair for the third Test at Newlands but the news that South African paceman Kagiso Rabada is available could tip the balance in the Proteas’ favour.

Rabada, already ranked the best bowler in the world at just 22 years old, took 11 wickets in South Africa’s second-Test victory but was initially banned for the remainder of the series for deliberately making contact with Aussie skipper Steve Smith.

However, that ban was reduced on appeal yesterday and the fired-up paceman could tear into the visitors’ batting unit again.

At 8-1 he looks worth a punt to replicate his match-winning again and be named man of the match.

Recommendation
K Rabada man of the match
1pt 8-1 bet365

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