ICC lashes out at Faf du Plessis ball-tampering appeal

The ICC today expressed disappointment at South African stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis's decision to lodge an appeal after he was found guilty of a ball-tampering in the second Test against Australia in Hobart

Faf du Plessis. Pic/AFP

Adelaide: The International Cricket Council today expressed disappointment at South African stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis's decision to lodge an appeal after he was found guilty of a ball-tampering in the second Test against Australia in Hobart.

"ICC is disappointed that Faf du Plessis has chosen not to accept the findings of match referee Andy Pycroft and will instead exercise his right to appeal. A Judicial Commissioner will now be appointed to hear the appeal at the earliest opportunity," world cricket's apex body said in a statement.

Du Plessis was fined 100 per cent of his match fee after footage emerged from the second Test of him applying saliva to the ball with a mint in his mouth. The 32-year-old, standing in for regular captain AB de Villiers, scored an unbeaten century on day one of the ongoing day-night Test at Adelaide Oval, where he was booed by some
locals when reaching three figures.

Cricket South Africa said in a statement yesterday he would appeal the decision, which prompted the ICC to respond before the second day's play. Du Plessis was found guilty of breaching Article 2. 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

"The ICC will wait until the completion of the appeal before making full comment, but at this stage it is important to clarify the Laws of cricket. These state that a player should not use artificial substances to shine the ball. The ICC understands that to include, but is not limited to, sunscreen, lip ice and residue from sweets."

"The ICC does not wish to prevent players from using these substances for legitimate purposes, however, any deliberate attempt to apply such substances to the ball, as was the case here, will not be acceptable.

"This will continue to be reported and the ICC confirms that unless the Laws are changed, the current practice of charging players when the evidence shows an obvious breach
will continue. ICC Umpires will remind all teams of the Laws as they stand," it added in the statement.

Following the appeal ICC will review the matter along with its members and the MCC to see if there are any learnings to be taken from this issue.

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