SL vs SA 2018: Faf du Plessis Seeks Clarity on Chewing Gums

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has expressed his confusion over the definition of ball-tampering while admitting he is happy that penalties have become stricter.

Meanwhile, ICC has come down heavily on the perpetrators in their new sanctions. Du Plessis believes this will help the game move in a better direction.

“Ball tampering is a serious offence,” du Plessis said on Friday (July 6). “If you put something in your mouth and you shine the ball, it’s not as serious – that’s just my opinion. The penalties that are there now are going to make them think twice. So hopefully we will see that part of the game move a little bit in a different way,” he added.

Previously, du Plessis was guilty of ball tampering twice. However, he conceded he doesn’t have a clear idea.

“I think it’s important to say that I’m not clear yet on that matter [of tampering],” du Plessis added. “For me, I need clarity still. I’m looking forward to speaking to the umpires before the game to make sure there’s clarity,” he continued.

After two incidents of tampering in the last five months, the ICC was, in a way, forced to tighten its hold on the punishments, turning it now into a Level 3 offence – in which players could be suspended for up to six Tests – from a Level 2 offence.

The Cape Town Test in February, when the Australians Steven Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft, were guilty of tampering with the ball, was all where it began.

Dinesh Chandimal incident followed that when used some external things from his mouth to shine the ball.

In conclusion, Chandimal also backed Faf du Plessis and called for more clarity on this issue.

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