South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis was found guilty of ball-tampering by the International Cricket Council during a hearing in Adelaide on Tuesday, but is free to play his country’s next Test against Australia in Adelaide after being fined 100% of his match free from his last match in Hobart.
“South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been found guilty of breaching Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct following a hearing before Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees in Adelaide,” said a release from the International Cricket Council. “The decision was based on the evidence given from the umpires, who confirmed that had they seen the incident they would have taken action immediately, and from Mr Stephenson, who confirmed the view of MCC that the television footage showed an artificial substance being transferred to the ball,”
Since this was du Plessis’ first offence since the new ICC Code of Conduct came into existence on September 22, the South African skipper was fined 100% of his match fee but was not given a ban. However, according to the rules, three demerit points were added to his records. If du Plessis reaches four or more demerit points during a 24-month period, he stands the risk of being suspended.
The 32-year-old also has the option to lodge an appeal, which has to be lodged within 48 hours of the receipt of the written decision of the match referee. South Africa’s Sport24 reported that du Plessis would appeal the decision.
Footage emerged last week from the second Test of the Australia-South Africa series in Hobart of du Plessis using saliva to shine the ball with a mint in his mouth. The ICC then charged the captain with ball-tampering.