Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon was charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for throwing the ball at non-striking end AB de Villiers during the fourth day of the opening Test between South Africa and Australia at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Sunday. After dislodging the bails to run out de Villiers, Lyon dropped the ball and that touched the chest of the former South Africa skipper as he had dived back to make his ground.

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been charged with a Level 1 breach, which could see the off-spinner fined up to 50 percent of his match and be given up to two demerit points to his record. A Cricket Australia spokesperson said Lyon has been in touch with de Villiers. The two were seen at Kingsmead prior to play starting shaking hands as each side warmed-up.

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith labeled Lyon’s actions unnecessary. “The Aussies were pretty fired up at that time pushing for a victory. But he (Lyon) is an experienced cricketer. I think he’ll probably say it was unnecessary himself.”

Cricket Australia said on Monday it was probing a heated exchange between David Warner and South Africa's Quinton de Kock in a stairwell during the first Test in Durban. Video footage of the clash on Sunday, broadcast in Australia, showed Warner pointing and directing a verbal barrage at de Kock before he was restrained and pulled away by his teammates. The incident reportedly took place as the players were returning to their dressing rooms at tea on day four of the first Test.

Pure cheek from Nathan Lyon #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/vhuM4tgOHQ

— Josh Money (@JoshMoneyFOX) March 4, 2018