Du Plessis to appeal ball-tampering verdict

Faf du Plessis has launched an appeal against his guilty verdict for ball-tampering. The matter will now be heard again by a judicial commissioner who could either find du Plessis not guilty, or amend the sentence, which puts du Plessis at risk of a one-match suspension.

On Tuesday du Plessis was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct in relation to ball tampering, and he would then have 48 hours after receiving match referee Andy Pycroft's decision in writing to decide whether to appeal.

When the verdict was announced, du Plessis immediately make known his intention to appeal, however on Wednesday some doubt was cast on that. Cricket South Africa CEO Haroon Lorgat said the body had asked du Plessis to reserve his rights until receiving Pycroft's judgement.

CSA hoped to engage with the ICC to seek clarity over what constitutes an "artificial substance" in relation to the rules regarding polishing the ball. They may yet do that but du Plessis remains determined to clear his name.

"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," Lorgat said in confirming the appeal. "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."