Australia batsman David Warner has been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after questioning how South Africa worked on the ball during last week's second Test at Port Elizabeth.

The tourists were 126 without loss and then lost all 10 second-innings wickets for just 90 to lose by 231 runs as Dale Steyn produced a hostile spell of reverse swing to take four for 55.

That led Warner to question the actions of South Africa, and in particular AB de Villiers, with the New South Wales opener telling Sky Sports Radio: “We were actually questioning whether or not AB de Villiers would get the ball in his hand and, with his glove, wipe the rough side every ball. That’s another thing we have to try to bring up with the umpires.”

And now the ICC has responded, fining Warner 15 per cent of his match fee after he pleaded guilty to a charge of making inappropriate comments.

“Warner was found to have breached Article 2.1.7 of the ICC code of conduct for players and player support personnel, which relates to public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in an international match or any player, player support personnel, match official or team participating in any international match,” read an ICC statement.

"It was disrespectful for David to publicly denigrate an opponent when commenting on a match-related incident, and imply that a South African player was engaging in sharp practice," said Roshan Mahanama of the Emirates elite panel of ICC match referees.

“I’m sure David will be careful when making public comments in future.”