Philander fined for ball tampering

South Africa's Vernon Philander was fined 75 percent of his match fee for tampering with the ball during the third day's play in the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The all-rounder was charged for breaching article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct which relates to "changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 of the Laws of Cricket, as modified by ICC Standard Test Match, ODI and Twenty20 International Match Playing Conditions clause 42.1".

The charge was laid following the conclusion of Friday's play, after on-field umpires Billy Bowden and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Nigel Llong, fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge and match referee Jeff Crowe viewed television footage.

The footage, which was not aired during live coverage, captured Philander scratching the surface of the ball with his fingers and thumb. Philander accepted the penalty without contest so there was no need for hearing.

Penalties for offences included in Level 2 of ICC Code of Conduct can range from 50-100 percent of a player's match fee and/or two suspension points. Two points equate to a ban of one Test, or two One-Day Internationals (ODI), depending on which type of match is scheduled next for the suspended player.

South Africa is touring Sri Lanka to play two Tests at Galle (July 16-20) and Colombo (July 24-28). Preceding it was a three-match ODI series which the visitors won 2-1.