Wednesday, January 06, 2010

South Africa rule out ball-tampering complaint

South Africa have said they will not make an official complaint over alleged ball-tampering by England in the third Test in Cape Town.

Footage showed bowler James Anderson appearing to pick at the ball and in a separate incident, Stuart Broad stopped the ball with his foot.

England coach Andy Flower defended Broad after South Africa raised concerns about the ball's condition.

But the hosts opted not to complain formally to referee Roshan Mahanama. A statement is expected from the International Cricket Council later on Wednesday.

The home batsmen took a lead of 330 runs while England's bowlers struggled on Tuesday's third day of play in Cape Town.

South Africa media officer Michael Owen-Smith said: "There have been several queries from the media about various video footage shown, and certain allegations being made about the ball.

"We have raised our concerns with the match referee about it and we've left it to him to decide if any further action or investigation is necessary."

Former England captain Nasser Hussain said of Anderson's actions: "I think he's just beyond what is acceptable."He's not gauging it. He's just fiddling with the rough side of the ball and I think that's a very dangerous area to get into."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan told BBC Radio 5 live: "It certainly looks like Jimmy Anderson has had some kind of play on the ball."

"If it was Pakistan what would we make of it? It's a very delicate situation." Asked about Broad's actions, Flower insisted there was no case to answer.

"All that happened is the ball was rolling gently towards him and he stuck out a boot to stop the ball. I don't think it's a big issue," he said.

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