Faf du Plessis appeals against ball tampering verdict: Cricket South Africa

Du Plessis was charged last Friday with ball-tampering in the second Test in Hobart after footage emerged appearing to show the Proteas skipper applying saliva to the ball with a lolly in his mouth.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has appealed against the 100 per cent match fees for ball tampering, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Thursday.

Faf du Plessis was charged last Friday with ball-tampering in the second Test in Hobart (Reuters)

“Faf has decided to appeal the match referee’s decision after he and his legal team had studied the written reasons provided by the match referee.” commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.

“In his mind Faf is clear that he did not alter the condition of the ball nor did he intend to do so and that the match referee was not correct to find him guilty. He is understandably feeling aggrieved. CSA will support him to appeal the decision before an independent Judicial Commissioner as there are issues relating to fair and just process, interpretation of the rules, science and performance that needs to be considered,” Lorgat said.

Du Plessis was charged last Friday with ball-tampering in the second Test in Hobart after footage emerged appearing to show the Proteas skipper applying saliva to the ball with a lolly in his mouth. Du Plessis pleaded not guilty to the charge.