Philander fined for ball tampering

South Africa pace bowler Vernon Philander has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee for tampering with the ball during the third day of the first test against Sri Lanka.

The International Cricket Council charged Philander for breaching clause 42.1 of the playing conditions as footage seen by match officials showed him “scratching the ball with his fingers and thumb” on Friday.

The incident was not telecast but seen at the end of the day’s play.

Philander did not contest the charge.

Philander is the second South African in the past nine months to be charged for tampering with the ball.

Faf du Plessis was charged 50 per cent of his match fee for a similar offence against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October last year.