ICC fines du Plessis for ball tampering but allows him to play Adelaide Test

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South African skipper Faf du Plessis has been fined 100% of his match fee for ball tampering in the Hobart Test. However, he has been allowed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to play the Adelaide Test beginning 24 November.

In a media release, the ICC stated that 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 which took place today in Adelaide.

Television footage had appeared showing him apply an artificial substance to the ball during the fourth day's play in the second Test against Australia in Hobart.

"In summing up his decision, Pycroft referred to his role as requiring him to make a determination based on the ICC Code of Conduct, the Laws of Cricket and, in particular, the preamble to the Laws of Cricket and the role of the umpires as the sole judges of fair and unfair play," the ICC release stated.

"Under the version of the Code that came into force on 22 September 2016, the offence was treated as a first offence. Du Plessis was fined 100 percent of his match fee and is free to play in the third Test in Adelaide on Thursday," the statement added.

South Africa are currently chasing a first-ever series whitewash in Australia when they go into the pink ball Test in Adelaide commencing from 24 November following their comprehensive victories in Perth and Hobart.

-ANI