Kagiso Rabada has appealed his two-Test ban, leaving open the possibility that the South African pacer is available for at least the third Test of his country’s series against Australia.

Rabada was given a two-match ban after being found guilty of making deliberate and inappropriate contact with Australian captain Steve Smith while celebrating the wicket of the visitors’ premier batsman. He maintains that the contact was inadvertent, which will form the basis of his appeal.

The ICC responded to Rabada’s appeal by confirming that it will appoint a judicial commissioner “at the earliest opportunity”, with the governing body’s rules stating that this must be done within 48 hours of an appeal. A hearing must be held within seven days of the commissioner’s appointment.

This timeframe means a hearing will take place no later than next Friday, March 23, a day after the third Test begins. Rabada technically remains suspended while his appeal is pending, but Cricket South Africa can make a case to the commissioner to put the bowler’s suspension on hold until the appeal, allowing him to play at Newlands.

The appeals process also allows for the possibility of an increased suspension, a risk Rabada is willing to take.