Faf du Plessis fined entire match fee for ball-tampering

South Africa captain cleared to play the third Test against Australia

MELBOURNE: Faf du Plessis has been found guilty of ball-tampering and fined his entire match fee from the second Test against Australia in Hobart but the South African captain has been cleared to play in this week's third and final match of the series.

Du Plessis received the punishment following an International Cricket Council (ICC) hearing in Adelaide on Tuesday, two days ahead of South Africa's first day-night test match at the Adelaide Oval.

“Du Plessis was charged by ICC Chief Executive David Richardson after television footage appeared to show Mr du Plessis applying an artificial substance to the ball during the fourth day’s play in the second Test against Australia in Hobart,” read an ICC media release.

“After hearing representations from both parties and evidence from the umpires in the second Test as well as Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Head of Cricket John Stephenson, Mr Pycroft found Mr du Plessis guilty of the offence,” the media release further read.