Vinnige Fanie speaks out on Faf charge
Former Proteas fast bowler Fanie de Villiers is never one to shy away from 'bowling a bouncer' when he has something on his mind. Speaking to Trevor Cramer, 'Vinnige Fanie' had some strong views on the charges brought against Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis.
The television footage, which only came to light after the Test in Hobart did not appear in the match referee's report.
No official complaint was received by the Australian team management either regarding the alleged incident and ICC Chief Executive Dave Richardson exercised his right to charge Du Plessis according Article 3.1.3 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
The charge relates to changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3.
De Villiers is adamant that no amount of saliva or residue from a mint or sweet can alter the complexion of a cricket ball or aid swing in any way.
Du Plessis has pleaded not guilty to the charge and, as such, the matter will be heard by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. Details of the hearing will be announced in due course.
The alleged incident happened on Tuesday morning when TV footage appeared to show du Plessis applying saliva and residue from a mint or sweet, an artificial substance, to the ball in an attempt to change its condition.
All level 2 breaches carry an imposition of a fine between 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the applicable match fee and/or up to two suspension points, and three or four demerit points. Two suspension points equates to a one-match suspension.
De Villiers described the charges against stand-in captain Faf du Plessis as 'ridiculous' and even went so far a to label it a smokescreen to mask the Aussies' shocking form.
De Villiers added that his stance on the matter should not be misconceived as preempting the legal process and he still believed that any captain not playing within the spirit of the game should be reprimanded.
Cricket South Africa are presently busy considering their legal options and whether to dispatch a legal representative to Australia for the hearing.
De Villiers believes that the Faf charge will serve to strengthen the team as a unit in Australia, but hopes that a past offence in Du Plessis' career won't come back to haunt him.
The stand-in skipper has always maintained he is not a cheat even after being fined for rubbing a cricket ball too close to a zipper on his trousers in a Test against Pakistan in 2013.
The final Test -- a day-night Test -- will be played in Adelaide next week.