Cape Town - Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has taken responsibility for brushing shoulders with Australian skipper Steve Smith in the second Test at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth.
READ: Rabada appeal hearing set for Monday
Rabada was suspended for the remaining two Tests of a pulsating series after being found guilty of a Level 2 charge.
The 22-year-old appealed the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspension and will face a hearing on Monday, March 19.
Michael Heron QC of New Zealand has been appointed as the Judicial Commissioner for the hearing, which will be held via video conference.
Heron will have 48 hours to arrive at a decision once the hearing is complete.
However, speaking at a sponsor function in Johannesburg, Rabada admitted fault and stated that he should not have entered Smith's personal space.
"It's debatable. Some people think so, some people don't. I take responsibility for what happened," said Rabada, as quoted by Cricinfo.
"On the video, it looks like I got into the guy's space, so I shouldn't have done that. I'll say 50/50, it's my fault. I didn't feel anything in the moment.
"I must obey the rules. I do things because I'm passionate," he added.
"Sometimes, you are bowling against the best players. I guess I shouldn't really rub it into their faces. It's a case of still have the passion, but let the batsman be after I get him out."
The third Test between the Proteas and Australia gets under way on Thursday, March 22 at Newlands.