Warner escapes ban after admitting breaching ICC code of conduct

David Warner will be available for Australia’s second Test against South Africa this week after accepting a breach of the International Cricket Council’s code of conduct.

Warner was hit with a level two charge after video footage showed the fiery Australia opener having to be restrained by his team-mates from confronting Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.

The incident, which occurred on the stairwell towards the players’ dressing rooms during the the tea interval on day four of the first Test at Durban, was the main talking point after Australia wrapped up a 118-run victory.

Sanctions for a level two infringement can carry up to four demerit points, warranting an automatic suspension from one Test or two one-day internationals, whatever comes first for the player.

But Warner admitted to the offence which relates to “conduct that brings the game into disrepute” and has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee while three demerit points have been added to his record.

“Warner admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing,” read an ICC statement.

That means he is free to play in the second Test between the teams at Port Elizabeth, which begins on Friday.

The ICC said De Kock, also reported following the incident, has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct.

De Kock also had one demerit point added to his disciplinary record in what is his first offence since the revised code was introduced in September 2016.

Captains and managers of both teams have been warned about player behaviour during the second Test that starts on Friday.