Faf should count himself 'lucky', says Ponting

Seemingly disappointed with the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to only fine 100 percent of Faf du Plessis's match fee in the 'mintgate' row, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has said the Proteas skipper should count himself "lucky" he has not been banned for ball tampering again.

Du Plessis was yesterday fined 100 percent of his match fee after television footage appeared to show him applying an artificial substance to the ball during the fourth day's play in the second Test against Australia in Hobart. The stand-in skipper was, however, cleared to play the day-night Test beginning Thursday at the Adelaide Oval.

The South African cricket officials have also come under fire for their conduct while dealing with the Australian media.

Ugly scenes were witnessed at the Adelaide Airport on Monday where a security official travelling with the South African cricket team shoved an Australian television reporter against a glass door who was attempting to interview du Plessis.

Slamming their actions, Ponting said, "I've been a little bit disappointed with the way they've acted, to tell you the truth."

"As has been shown, he's been proven guilty. They've made out that it was all a storm in a teacup when he's actually broken an ICC (rule). He's got a 100 percent match fee (fine) - he was probably lucky not to get a game (suspension). It's not the first time he's done it, either. But the game goes on," he was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

South Africa are currently chasing a first-ever series whitewash in Australia when they go into the pink ball Test in Adelaide commencing from November 24 following their comprehensive victories in Perth and Hobart.