Du Plessis: I didn't cheat

Cape Town - Proteas batsman Faf du Plessis says he's not a cheat but did rub a cricket ball "too close" to a zip on his trousers, leading to him being fined half of his match fees for ball tampering in the second Test against Pakistan.

In his column on the supersport.com website, Du Plessis denied he was trying to cheat, writing "that's not the kind of person I am."

However, he says "I'll be the first to admit that I was working it far too close to my zip."

Du Plessis was caught on TV working the ball over the pocket zip.

The punishment given to Du Plessis was criticised by Pakistan officials as too lenient.

He says the ball was not affected "and that's why I think my penalty was not as harsh."