South African cricket captain Faf du Plessis has escaped suspension after being charged with ball tampering in the second Test win against Australia.
Du Plessis pleaded not guilty to breaching Level 2 of the Code of Conduct for ball tampering.
However, after a longer than expected hearing, the International Cricket Council (ICC) found there was enough evidence to hand du Plessis a fine.
Match referee Andy Pycroft was in charge of the meeting with lawyers for both the ICC and du Plessis appearing via video link.
The 32-year-old was caught on camera appearing to rub a mint inside his mouth before shining the ball.
The moment had generated plenty of debate about ball tampering with the practice of using mints and other sweets being a widespread issue in the game.
Du Plessis had also been docked half his match pay in a previous ball tampering incident three years ago when he rubbed the ball on a zipper.
Earlier David Warner had expressed his feelings about ball tampering.
“The rules are in place for a reason – if you’re not going to use them why bother having them?” he said.
“That’s the fortunate things these days. They’ve got their rules and they’ll stand by these decisions. I think that’s a good thing.
The ruling means du Plessis is free to play in the third and final Test match in Adelaide on Thursday.
It ends a strange few days for the South African team, which included a team press conference defending the captain and a run in with two separate Channel Nine journalists.
The team will be hoping to put the drama to one side and focus on a rare series clean sweep in Australia.
likkewaan
Guest
Rasty, that is funny and spot on.
BBek
Guest
Right on cue in comes Charlene...
ADP
Guest
I reckon the facts hold all in equal contempt, at least as far as applying "artificial substances" to the ball is concerned. If we apply the rules properly (I.e consistently), everyone should get done for using sunscreen sweat etc...take your pick. Saying "the facts dont like the saffas" makes it seem like saffas are the only transgressors. So I won't defend it, rules are rules, but they should apply across the board. Then the spin on this whole affair shouldn't be about saffas cheating. Fair enough..?
You're hilarious :)
KG
Guest
Hmm mm apparently David warner was also involved in an incident involving a lip balm but after scrolling through the 70+ comments no one mentions it. talk about two faced
jarijari
Guest
Looks like Virat Kohli did the same thing against England in the first Test in India but is off the hook because there's only a five-day limit on investigations.
Tatah
Guest
ADP the facts don't like the Saffas, shouldn't be worrying what Roman thinks.
Tatah
Guest
Facts speak for themselves don't they? Winning or not how do you defend that?
Charl
Guest
"Beyond Amla the batting line up looks thin" - thank goodness for those minties. Really helped to prop up that ailing batting line up lol
Ches
Guest
Well here we go. SA the cheats? We all know what SA cricket is like. Cronje gets done but other like Pollock & H Gibbs are swept under the mat. Hmmmm SA cricket at the minute sounds about as credible as Pakistani cricket. Who knows when they are actually really trying (to suit the odds) or they are ball tampering which warrants Faf being penalised but according to MCC or ICC did not influence the game. Look at their recent form assaulting journalists and Amla publicly defending a man now found guilty of cheating. Amla's credibility = Zero How can you be found guilty of cheating but yet not influencing the result? If the result was not influenced how can you be guilty? Strange times!
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
davSA I think you're confusing what ZimZam said with what I've said (note the quotation marks I used) - nowhere have I said anything close to "lumping all South Africans Together to form a single opinion of us". The only opinion I've expressed here is that the ICC's rule about ball tampering is pointless if they don't properly punish people caught red handed, like Faf was IMO. Either enforce the rule or just get rid of it. Inferring that this means I am against all South Africans is a rather strange take on what I've said.
KG
Guest
Everytime I read most of your comments I shake my head in disbelieve, today in SA a man stabbed a dog. I guess everyone in adeLaide should lock up their dogs.
davSA
Guest
Ronan I have consistently supported the charges and processes against Faf on this forum . I have in fact been quite critical of the incident. I am obviously South African. Everytime a Saffa expresses an opinion here it doesn't necessarily mean we are this blob of homogeneity that all share the same views. Lumping us all together to form a single opinion of us is .. well quite prejudicial.
KG
Guest
I'd also hate them seeing as they are leading the series 2-0 after writing articles like this http://www.theroar.com.au/2016/10/02/de-villiers-absence-make-proteas-outsiders-tests-australia/
Alex L
Roar Rookie
So he's guilty as sin, a repeat offender, but gets away without suspension because the ICC didn't have their paperwork together.
ADP
Guest
Guys - I get the feeling Ronan doesn't like Saffas...am I wrong? I really really hope so
Charl
Guest
Hundred runs, an innings and some balls?
Charl
Guest
And in the warm Adelaide air wafts threateningly the minty scent of highly moral indignation
Lroy
Guest
I think we'll need 200.
Basil
Guest
Gayle? Oh yes, horrible Aussie media telling off poor little Chris for making a pass a a female reporter on air.