HOBART, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 12: Faf du Plessis of South Africa looks on during day one of the Second Test match between Australia and South Africa at Blundstone Arena on November 12, 2016 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

South African captain Faf du Plessis will play in the third Test in Adelaide against Australia after escaping a suspension following a hearing with the ICC on Tuesday afternoon.

Du Plessis was found guilty of applying an artificial substance to the ball during the second Test in Hobart, and was fined 100% of his match fee from that Test.

In addition to being fined, the Proteas batsman has also been handed three demerit points.

If du Plessis reaches four or more points in a 24-month period, they will be converted into suspension points and the 32-year-old will be banned.

Two suspension points equals a one-match Test ban or a two-match ban from ODIs or T20 Internationals, whichever comes first.