Virat Kohli's ball-tampering allegation nullified by ICC clause

Virat Kohli, left. Photo / AP

Virat Kohli will face no investigation to determine whether the emergence of video footage in the Rajkot Test shows him applying an artificial substance to the ball.

The International Cricket Council has confirmed that no inquiry into the incident can take place because the five-day window for the process to begin has long passed.

The first match of five against England concluded on November 13, and any investigation or disciplinary process must start - under the world governing body's established protocol - within five days.

Unlike in the case of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, the matter therefore cannot be pursued.

Du Plessis was found guilty on Tuesday of a ball-tampering breach of the ICC's code of conduct.

Video footage from South Africa's series-sealing victory over Australia in Hobart was pored over, and proven, after an ICC hearing, to show du Plessis applying saliva to the ball while sucking sweets.

He was fined his entire match fee but has incurred no ban and will be free to take part in the third and final Test.

Cricket South Africa has confirmed du Plessis intends to appeal against the verdict.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has yet to respond to a request for any comment, at the time of writing, following broadcast of the footage from Rajkot.

It shows Kohli putting his fingers in his mouth before applying saliva to the ball although it is not clear whether or not he has a sweet in his mouth at the time.

India, meanwhile, have brought seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar into their squad for the final three Tests against England.

Kumar returns after a back strain, having taken five first-innings wickets in India's Test win over New Zealand in Kolkata before injury struck last month.

The 26-year-old seamer replaces veteran opener Gautam Gambhir in a 16-man squad for the remainder of the five-Test series, which resumes in Mohali on Saturday.

The hosts are 1-0 up after their 246-run win in Vizag, and Kumar will come straight into contention to play at the weekend if Mohali lives up to its reputation as a venue which favours seam over spin.