Faf found guilty after #MINTGATE

The South African skipper has been charged 100 percent of his match-fee but escaped a ban - as the incident has been classed as Du Plessis' first offence.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson handed down the verdict on Tuesday, in reference to footage of Du Plessis applying an artificial substance to the ball on day four of the second Test in Hobart. Du Plessis was allegedly chewing a mint when he applied saliva to the ball in an effort to make the ball swing.

The guilty verdict was reached after the match umpires were consulted - with all three agreeing that they would have taken immediate action had they seen the incident happen on the day.

With a new version of the ICC Code of Conduct having taken effect in September, Du Plessis' transgression is now the first on his record.

The finding also saw three demerit points added to the skipper's disciplinary record. If he get's four points in a 24 month period he will face a ban - depending on the amount of points on his record.

Nevertheless Du Plessis is now clear to play in the third and final Test on Thursday.

The situation has also had Australian media in a stir. On Monday, a reporter was filmed trying to interview Du Plessis as the Proteas made their way through Adelaide Airport. The Proteas management made a public complaint after the event, saying that the reporter had been harassing Du Plessis.

If you missed the incident, check it out here:

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