Cape Town - Former Australian captain Allan Border admitted that Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada's suspension will be a huge bonus to Australia.
Rabada was suspended for the remaining two Test matches of a pulsating series after being found guilty of a Level 2 charge after brushing shoulders with Australia's skipper Steve Smith in Port Elizabeth.
The 22-year-old appealed the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspension on Wednesday.
The ICC now have 48 hours to appoint a Judicial Commissioner, and after they have done that the hearing must take place within seven days.
READ: Rabada needs a miracle to play in CT
Border, who is currently in South Africa serving as a commentator for SuperSport, said that Rabada's ban would be an advantage to the visiting team.
"Kagiso Rabada's suspension is a huge bonus for the Australians. It's a sad way to get an advantage because he's bowling so well but he got to learn a hard lesson," Border wrote via a column for Fox Sports Australia.
"Rabada was outstanding throughout the second Test. He caused all sorts of problems with the new ball and the old ball.
"Australia will look forward to not playing him but they won't have things easy no matter who comes in, whether it be Dale Steyn or Mone Morkel. The Australians shouldn't rest on their laurels too much going into the third Test."
The third Test between the Proteas and Australia get under way on Thursday, March 22 at Newlands.