Australia vice-captain David Warner and South Africa wicketkeeper/batsman Quinton de Kock were both charged by the International Cricket Council for their heated off-field exchange on day four of the first Test in Durban.

CCTV footage from the players tunnel showed Warner and De Kock involved in a fiery exchange as players climbed the stairwell to their dressing rooms during the tea break at Kingsmead on Sunday.

Both players were charged under the catch-all ICC code of conduct clause on bringing “the game into disrepute” following the episode that marred the Test, but Warner faces a more serious level 2 charge while de Kock a less serious level 1 offence. The difference in levels means Warner could be banned for one Test, but the heaviest penalty de Kock faces is a fine.

A Level 2 charge brings with it 3-4 demerit points and up to 100 per cent fine of a player’s match fee.

If a player accrues four demerit points in the space of 24 four months they are suspended for one Test match or two limited-overs internationals, whichever comes first.

The teams have been given until Wednesday to respond to the charges that were handed out by match referee Jeff Crowe.

Australia lead the four Test series 1-nil after winning the opening Test by 118 runs. The second Test bowls off on March 9.