Melbourne, Nov 18 (IANS): South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was on Friday charged with applying an artificial substance to the ball during the fourth day's play in the second cricket Test against Australia in Hobart, which concluded on Tuesday.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement that it charged du Plessis for breaching Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct. 

The alleged incident happened on Tuesday morning when TV footage appeared to show du Plessis applying saliva and residue from a mint or sweet, an artificial substance, to the ball in an attempt to change its condition.

"The charge relates to changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 and has been laid by the ICC Chief Executive David Richardson who has exercised his right to do so according to Article 3.1.3 of the Code," an ICC release said.

Du Plessis has pleaded not guilty to the charge and, as such, the matter will now be heard by ICC Match Referee Andy Pycroft. 

ICC said that all level 2 breaches carry an imposition of a fine between 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the applicable match fee and/or up to two suspension points, and three or four demerit points.