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South African cricket star Hashim Amla has mocked the unusual ball-tampering allegation against his captain Faf du Plessis, calling it ridiculous.
The ICC is looking into footage of du Plessis shining the ball as the tourists fielded during their resounding second Test win in Hobart.
It appears du Plessis has a lolly in his mouth as he uses his saliva to shine the ball.
Under cricket rules, a player may shine the ball provided no artificial substance is used.
The South African squad stood behind Amla as they fronted the media at the MCG on Friday, the day before they play a Victorian XI under lights.
“The reason everyone is here is to stand together, really, and to show solidarity to something … we thought was actually a joke,” Amla said.
“It’s not April, but the allegation against Faf was … a really ridiculous thing.
“As a team, we’re standing strong, we’ve done nothing wrong.
“It’s basically a joke.”
It was then put to Amla that his captain is under investigation over the incident.
“Whether it is or not, we’ve done nothing wrong and I know Faf has done absolutely nothing wrong,” he said.
“I chew bubble gum while I’m on the field – you want me to brush my teeth after lunch?
“We’re standing out on the field for two hours … there was no malicious intent whatsoever.”
As officials tried to change the topic, Amla and some journalists had a testy exchange about the subject.
“Is it proven or what? Because that’s something that is really new to us,” Amla said.
“I’ve had sweets in my mouth, bubblegum in my mouth, butong, nuts – I’m not sure what the big deal is.
“To a lot of people, it’s sounding more like sour sweets.”
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