ICC 'disappointed' by du Plessis appeal

"The [International Cricket Council] 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," a statement by the world's governing body read.

South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis called for clarification of the rule during a news conference ahead of the third Test.

The ICC hit back at South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis and described itself as "disappointed" at his decision to appeal his ball-tampering charge.

The 32-year-old was adjudged to have breached Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct and fined 100 per cent of his match fee after television footage appeared to show him applying an artificial substance to the ball during the second Test against Australia.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed du Plessis would appeal the charge, much to the disappointment of the ICC.

"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," an ICC statement read.

South Africa called for clarification of the rule during a news conference ahead of the third Test. The ICC stood by its decision and said there would be further charges if players were found to be using sweets or mints to shine the ball.

"The ICC will wait until the completion of the appeal before making full comment, but at this stage it is important to clarify the Laws of cricket," the statement continued.

"These state that 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.

"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.

"This will continue to be reported and the ICC confirms that unless the Laws are changed, the current practice of charging players when the evidence shows an obvious breach will continue.

"ICC umpires will remind all teams of the Laws as they stand."

Du Plessis made an unbeaten 118 in the third Test, helping South Africa to 259-9 before it declared in Adelaide.