Faf du Plessis: I have been made a scapegoat
Cricket South Africa Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, says they will carefully study the findings of the ICC match referee, Andy Pycroft, before deciding on a course of action in the ball tampering row.
Proteas captain Faf du Plessis was found guilty of tampering with the ball during the second Test against Australia in Hobart. Du Plessis was fined 100% of his match fee, but is allowed to play on the third and final Test against Australia.
"At this stage we have advised Faf to reserve his position as regards the match referee's finding and wait for the full reasons of his decision before deciding his next step," said Lorgat.
"Faf is obviously disappointed by the decision and I can understand that. In fairness to both him and the ICC, this is an unprecedented case involving unique issues of policy, science and performance that need to be carefully considered at the highest levels within the game. There are also other issues relating to fair and just process, interpretation of the rules and, importantly, the consistent application of the Code of Conduct that need to be considered," Lorgat explained.
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Speaking at the same press conference ahead of the start of tomorrow's game in Adelaide, du Plessis pleaded his innocence.
"For me ball tampering is picking the ball, scratching the ball. Shining the ball, I think all cricketers would say, is not in the same place. I think it's such a grey area in the laws of cricket and I think it's something that now will be looked at. I just think it's opened up a can of worms going forward," du Plessis said.
Du Plessis also believes he has been made a scapegoat by the International Cricket Council.