Aussies won't sledge me: Faf du Plessis

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis says Australia won't sledge him about being found guilty of ball-tampering.

South African captain Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis can expect little sympathy and potentially some sledging in the third Test. (AAP)

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis isn't expecting sympathy from Australia but he'd be surprised if the hosts sledge him in Adelaide about the ball-tampering saga.

Du Plessis was found guilty of ball tampering on Tuesday, when he was fined approximately $2500 but avoided suspension.

The charge related to an incident in the second Test, with footage capturing South Africa's skipper applying saliva to the ball with a mint in his mouth.

Du Plessis was also found guilty of ball tampering during a Test against Pakistan in 2013, when he rubbed the ball on a zipper.

It's understood Australia taunted du Plessis about that charge during an oft-heated Test series between the two sides in 2014, when he likened the opposition to a "pack of dogs". The opposition responded by barking at du Plessis in the field.

Du Plessis doubts there will be a repeat, predicting the mint charge won't be raised at Adealide Oval.

"I think the Aussies won't talk about it at all because they know it's part of their team as well. It (the controversy) has not been driven by the (Australian) cricketers," du Plessis said.

"I even read a comment from Darren Lehmann which was backing and supporting me, which was really good to see."

Du Plessis was less confident when asked if a sold-out crowd will be as understanding.

"I'm not sure. I'm hoping cricketing sense will prevail. If you're a cricketer you'll understand it's not that big of a deal," he said of the likely reception.

Australia have been a notably more quiet side under the captaincy of Steve Smith.

But that could potentially change this week after chirpy keeper Matthew Wade was recalled at the expense of Peter Nevill.

Wade is not afraid to swap verbals.

The Victorian called New Zealand allrounder Grant Elliott a "f***ing coward" earlier this year, while he and South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi were fined during an ODI last month after "verbally and aggressively" engaging with each other.

Australia vice-captain David Warner was given a reminder of just how lippy Wade can be during last week's Sheffield Shield clash at the SCG.

"They were nice and chirpy and he was leading that banter, even as captain," Warner said.

"That's what you need. You need someone from behind those stumps to keep making sure everoyne's getting between their overs and there's a bit of noise out there.

"We know what to expect from Matty.

"Matty's one of those players that likes to get in the contest. Him being vocal out there is a form of him getting into the contest and he likes that battle."


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Source: AAP



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