AB de Villiers protests innocence after South Africa docked for ball tampering

AB de Villiers protests innocence after South Africa docked for ball tampering

• South Africa give five-run penalty but more could follow
• 'We don't cheat. It's as simple as that,' says De Villiers

AB de Villiers insisted South Africa had done nothing wrong after his team were penalised for ball tampering as they pushed for victory late on day three of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.

Umpires Ian Gould and Rod Tucker were forced to change the ball, and apply a five-run penalty, after they deemed the condition of the ball had been changed.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith was called over by the umpires at the end of the 30th over – two overs after tea – and informed of the decision to enforce the penalty. No South Africa player has yet been charged, but TV replays appeared to show a player – believed to be all-rounder Faf du Plessis – rubbing the ball against the zipper on his whites.

However, South Africa swiftly denied any suggestions of cheating at stumps, which arrived with Pakistan on 132 for four in their second innings – still trailing by 286.

"We are not a team that scratches the ball," wicketkeeper-batsman De Villiers said. "We play in a fair manner. We want to swing the ball as much as we can. We try and get it to reverse, putting more sweat on one side and things like that. But we don't cheat. It's as simple as that."

De Villiers particularly spoke up for team-mate Du Plessis, who was also brought into the on-field meeting between Smith and the match officials. "I know Faf very well," the 29-year-old added. "He is the last man on the field who will try anything like that. It is part of his responsibility to shine the ball, in order to get it to swing, and look after it. It is not an easy job and I thought he did a very good job of it."

Further sanctions could be applied on top of the five-run penalty, with an ICC spokesman saying that any player reported for ball tampering by the umpires would be subject to a hearing in front of the match referee.

Under the ICC regulations the umpires are obligated to report the incident to match referee David Boon, who is expected to call a hearing.

Altering the condition of the ball is a level two offence under the ICC's code of conduct, which carries a penalty of 50 % to 100% of their match fee and/or suspension from one Test or two one-day internationals for a first offence.