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Kohli won't face ICC investigation

Governing body says Indian skipper won't come under scrutiny after video emerged of him polishing ball in first Test

Virat Kohli will face no investigation from the International Cricket Council after video footage emerged online showing him polishing the ball during the first Test against England.

The ICC has confirmed no inquiry into the incident can take place because the five-day window for the process to begin has long passed.

Quick Single: ICC boss says Faf tampering 'pretty obvious'

The first match of five against England in Rajkot concluded on November 13, and any investigation or disciplinary process must start - under the world governing body's established protocol - within five days.

Unlike in the case of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, the matter therefore cannot be pursued.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not made a public comment about the Kohli footage from Rajkot, which was widely shared online.

It shows Kohli putting his fingers in his mouth before applying saliva to the ball, although it is not clear is any foreign substance, such as a sweet or chewing gum, was in his mouth at the time.

Du Plessis was found guilty on Tuesday of a ball-tampering breach of the ICC's code of conduct.

Du Plessis sanctioned for ball tampering by ICC

Video footage from South Africa's series-sealing victory over Australia in Hobart was proven at an ICC hearing to show du Plessis applying saliva to the ball while sucking sweets.

He was fined his entire match fee but has incurred no ban and will be free to take part in the third and final Test.

Cricket.com.au understands Cricket South Africa will lodge an appeal of the guilty verdict handed down by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft.

Quick Single: Proteas set to appeal guilty verdict

Du Plessis has 48 hours from the time he receives the formal written decision of his verdict to lodge his appeal. CSA has yet to release an official statement.

An appeal would trigger a fresh hearing in front of a judicial commissioner, who would reconsider all the evidence, and has the power to increase – or decrease – Pycroft's sanction.

Du Plessis would face being suspended for a Test match if his sanction was increased in the fresh hearing. The maximum penalty for a level two breach of the ICC's Code of Conduct is 100 per cent of the match fee and two suspensions points, the equivalent of one Test.

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