Nathan Lyon has been charged by the ICC for his actions after the run-out of AB de Villiers, which were condemned by Graeme Smith as ‘unnecessary’.

The feisty spinner leaped over De Villiers, who had dived for the line, dropping the ball on him as he joined the celebrations at the dismissal of the Proteas’ star batsman before he had scored.

The entire display of euphoria by the Australians over De Villiers’ misfortune has also been widely condemned.

Lyon has been charged with a Level 1 breach, which could see the off-spinner fined up to 50% of his match fee and be given up to two demerit points to his record. Four points would result in missing a Test match.

A Cricket Australia spokesperson said Lyon has been in touch with De Villiers to apologise and to say there was no malice intended. The two were seen at Kingsmead prior to play starting on Monday, shaking hands as each side warmed up.

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith said that even though the Australians had been ‘pretty fired up’, Lyon was an experienced cricketer who should know better.

‘I think he’ll probably say it was unnecessary himself,’ Smith said.

Smith was equally critical of Warner’s over-excited celebration, and his pointed remarks to Aiden Markram, who he said had run out De Villiers.

‘We’ve got used to Davey over the years. I think the less interest you take in him, the better. He can be a bit of a fool at times. It’s best just to let him be.’

Warner is also under scrutiny for his part in an altercation with Quinton de Kock in the players’ tunnel as the teams left for the tea break. Heated words were exchanged and Warner was restrained by his teammates.

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