Kagiso Rabada in South Africa squad despite ban for last two cricket Tests against Australia

Rabada’s appeal against suspension to be heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday, with verdict due to be announced within 48 hours

Kagiso Rabada, second right, was man of the match in South Africa’s series-levelling six-wicket victory in the second Test at Port Elizabeth. Michael Sheehan / AP Photo

Kagiso Rabada has been named in South Africa's squad for the third Test against Australia – but two other fast bowlers have been added in case he loses his appeal against a ban.

Rabada’s appeal against a  ban for the last two Tests of the series will be heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday, with a verdict due to be announced within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris have been included in a 17-man squad for the Test that starts at Newlands on Thursday.

Rabada was man of the match in South Africa’s series-levelling six-wicket victory in the second Test at Port Elizabeth. But he made contact with Steve Smith after dismissing the Australia captain and was penalised three demerit points, which took him to the eight-point threshold which triggers an automatic two-match ban.

If Rabada is absent, the selectors may be tempted to pick not just a direct replacement but to consider a also adding a fast bowling all-rounder such as Morris to bolster the bowling options.

Chief selector Linda Zondi said the squad would be pruned in time to allow players not selected for the Test team to play for their franchises in domestic matches starting on Thursday.

Both teams took a break from cricket after the Port Elizabeth Test but will start their preparations for the third Test on Monday.

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Comment: Holding cricketers to a higher moral standard is simply asking to be deceived

Comment: Rabada and others punished by intrusive coverage must be cut some slack

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