South Africa's Vernon Philander has been fined by the International Cricket Council for ball tampering in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

The seamer was caught on camera scratching the ball on day three of the match in Galle, and was fined 75% of his match fee by the sport's governing body due to the incident.

"The charge was laid after umpires Billy Bowden and Richard Kettleborough, as well as third umpire Nigel Llong and fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, viewed television footage along with match referee Jeff Crowe," an ICC statement revealed.

"The incident that led to the charge being laid took place in the afternoon when Philander was captured on footage changing the condition of the ball by scratching the surface with his fingers and thumb."

Dale Steyn finished day three with five wickets as South Africa took full control of the Test match on Friday.