SAfrica penalised for ball-tampering in 2nd Test vs Pakistan

DUBAI: South African cricketers were caught ball tampering during the second test match against Pakistan underway here. Umpires Rod Tucker of Australia and England's Ian Gould called South African captain Graeme Smith, changed the ball and added five runs to Pakistan's score. Television replays showed South African fielder Faf du Plessis rubbing the ball on his trousers which had a zip on them, in an apparent attempt to tamper with the ball. Another South player African Vernon Philander was also shown scratching the ball with his fingernail. An ICC spokesman confirmed the incident. "As per 42.1 of the ICC playing conditions, the umpires replaced the ball and fined South Africa five penalty runs for ball tampering," said an ICC spokesman. At the end of thirds day play, Pakistan were 132-4 needing another 286 to avoid an innings defeat.