Kagiso Rabada is South Africa’s best competitor, says Dale Steyn

As David Warner and Quinton de Kock were involved in a tunnel bust-up in the first Test match which resulted in fines for both the players, Dale Steyn is disappointed with the fact that South Africa’s best competitor Kagiso Rabada has been mellowed down due the ban he faced during England’s tour last year. 

“One other guy that actually gets involved is KG (Kagiso Rabada). He really does get stuck in. But I think after some of his last few incidents where he got into trouble — he got a ban and a fine and everything like that — he kinda has the handcuffs around him right now, which is a little unfair,” said Steyn reported Hindustan Times.

Australians have been known for sledging and provoking players over the year. In this Test, David Warner was also involved in an exchange with Aiden Markram when AB de Villiers got out. As South Africans could not repeat the Aussies’ sledging tactics Steyn was disappointed by Rabada’s mellowed behaviour.

“Because, If you look at the way some of the Aussies are going about it, and I’m not standing here and complaining, and I hope I don’t get a fine for saying that, but you kind of feel that you are taking out our best competitor, especially with that kind of presence, if you take him out of the game, it’s like taking a knife to a gunfight really. It’s a little bit unfair,” added Steyn.

Rabada already owns 5 demerit points and more three would mean a two-Test match ban of 4 ODIs/ T20s whatsoever comes first. There was a moment in the match where Rabada was seen giving send off wot Warner by covering his own mouth with his hands so that he isn't handed any more demerit points.