Faf du Plessis' appeal against his ball-tampering conviction has been set for December 19 - which means he could miss the first test against Sri Lanka.

An International Cricket Council release on Tuesday confirmed the date of the appeal hearing and of the name of the presiding judicial commissioner‚ Michael Beloff (SC).

Du Plessis' punishment when he was found guilty after the Hobart test against Australia last month was a fine and three demerit points.

If he is docked another point by Beloff he will be banned for the first test against the Lankans‚ which starts on December 26 in Port Elizabeth. - TMG Digital