International Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson has outlined his disappointment at Faf du Plessis’ decision to appeal a fine for ball tampering. Richardson spoke to reporters in Adelaide on Friday, attempting to clarify the laws governing the use of mints to help shine the ball.

“The 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,” Richardson said. “A judicial commissioner will now be appointed to hear the appeal at the earliest opportunity.”

Richardson added the laws of cricket clearly state “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,” he said. “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.”

Du Plessis was fine 100 per cent of his match fee, approximately $2500, after footage emerged from the second Test of South Africa’s skipper applying saliva to the ball with a mint in his mouth. “Following the appeal we will review the matter along with our members and the MCC to see if there are any learnings to be taken from this issue,” Richardson said.

Du Plessis posted 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.



