The International Cricket Council (ICC) will take no action against England players for allegedly interfering with the condition of the ball during the third Test against South Africa at Newlands.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ICC said the umpires had viewed the footage of the incidents shown in television coverage on Tuesday and decided not to bring a charge against any player.
No official complaint was made by South Africa and the deadline for submitting a complaint passed when play resumed on Wednesday.
Television cameras captured fast bowler Stuart Broad stopping, then stepping on the ball with his spikes, while fellow fast bowler James Anderson appeared to be manipulating the seam.
According to South African team spokesperson Michael Owen-Smith on Tuesday, the South African team raised its concerns with match referee Roshan Mahanama but he confirmed on Wednesday that no official complaint had been made.
England coach Andy Flower told journalists on Tuesday evening he was unaware of any controversy and said he believed his bowlers had
gone about their business “very honestly” and their ability to gain reverse swing, particularly during the team’s win in the second Test in Durban, was achieved through skill and not any illegal methods.
The footage of the Broad incident was shown repeatedly on South Africa’s pay television channel and the England camp awoke on Wednesday to a banner headline across the front page of the Cape Times — “Ball tampering furore.”
English newspapers meanwhile reported that the suggestions of foul play had infuriated the England camp. The Daily Telegraph reported that England were “furious” while the Sun claimed that captain Andrew Strauss and coach Flower were “angry”. – AFP