Du Plessis charged with ball-tampering
South Africa’s stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis may have to face a suspension for one Test match after he was charged by the ICC for alleged ball-tampering. However, du Plessis has pleaded not guilty and is seeking legal advice to further contest the charge against him.
The ICC, in a statement today, has said that du Plessis has been charged for breaching Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to "changing the condition of the ball", reported ESPNCricinfo,
The ICC statement said, "The alleged incident happened on Tuesday morning when TV footage appeared to show du Plessis applying saliva and residue from a mint or sweet, an artificial substance, to the ball in an attempt to change its condition."
Despite the incident not being reported by the match officials within the stipulated 18 hours after the second Test against Australia, which South Africa won by an innings and 80 runs to win the series 2-0 in advance, the ICC started the investigation taking note of media reports.
In Australia's second innings at Hobart, du Plessis was seen licking his finger with a white Jelly in his mouth before shining the ball.
Earlier in 2013, du Plessis was fined for rubbing the ball close to the zipper of his trouser pocket during a Test in Dubai and this is the second violation by him.
