South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs is facing the prospect of a three-match ban after admitting that he smoked marijuana on their current tour to the West Indies.

Six members of the squad were each fined 10,000 rand (�887) and reprimanded after admitting using marijuana in a hotel room following the team's victory in the fourth Test at Antigua last month.

But Gibbs is already subject to a three-match ban, suspended for one year, following an incident in April 2000, and this could now be brought into effect.

The United Cricket Board of South Africa is to review the matter, however, because the original suspended ban was not imposed by the Misconduct Committee overseeing disciplinary matters on tour.

The other five found guilty of misconduct and punished are Paul Adams, Roger Telemachus, Andre Nel, Justin Kemp and team physio Craig Smith.

UCB Director of Operations Brian Basson said: "I have referred the matter to the UCB CEO Gerald Majola, who is in the West Indies, and who has called an urgent meeting with the team,"

Natural talent

Gibbs has been no stranger to controversy since beginning his international career in October 1996.

A batsman of obvious international potential, he was given his first chance by the selectors at the age of only 22.

The suspended ban was imposed after he stayed out at a party until the early hours prior to a one-day game against Australia.

But far more damaging was his admission to the King Commission that he accepted an offer of money from former skipper Hansie Cronje to score less than 20 in a one-day game against India.

He ultimately reneged on the deal by making a half century and was never paid, but he was subsequently banned for six months by the UCB.

Successful tour

Gibbs returned to the international squad earlier this year.

He has been in excellent form in the West Indies, scoring 464 runs in the Test series, which South African won 2-1, and hitting two centuries in the one-day internationals.

Adams is also an established member of the squad, having made 34 Test appearances, but Nel and Kemp are on their first overseas tour with the senior South African team.

Telemachus has been fined a further R2,000 (�177) for verbally abusing teammate Daryll Cullinan during a one-day match at Montego Bay.

Cullinan recived a similar fine for leaving the field without the captain's permission, but he is now in England playing county cricket for Kent.