ICC dismisses report of cheating by English, Oz batsmen

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Wednesday, dismissed reports linking it to any investigation into alleged attempts by English or Australian players to “cheat” the effectiveness of the Hot Spot technology during the Ashes series.

An Australian television station alleged that ICC General Manager (Cricket) Geoff Allardice was flying from ICC headquarters in Dubai to Durham, the venue of the fourth Ashes Test, to investigate the matter.

However, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “These media reports are totally incorrect. Geoff Allardice is meeting with both teams and umpires to see how we can best use the DRS and the available technology going forward in the next two Test matches. It has nothing to do with any players.”

Australia skipper Michael Clarke also said that none of his players have cheated over allegations that batsmen have used silicone tape on their bats to beat the decision review system.

Australian daily Sydney Morning Herald reported that concerns were raised after Kevin Pietersen‘s dismissal in the final innings of the third Test, where the batsman unsuccessfully tried to have a decision overturned by the video umpire. Australian TV channel Channel Nine was the first to raise the issue.

The TV channel claimed that Pietersen’s attempt failed despite the infrared Hot Spot technology not recording an edge, though sound detectors picked up a clear noise as the ball passed the bat.

Channel Nine said: “It is understood that silicone tape is applied to the edge of the bat, and concerns centre around Kevin Pietersen’s dismissal in the second innings in Manchester.

“It is not just England under investigation. Nine News understands that Australian batsmen may also be using this method.”

Clarke said he had no knowledge of his players using the tape, as claimed by Channel Nine.

“If that’s the case, then we’re talking about cheating and I can guarantee there is not one person in the Australian change room that will cheat. It’s hard for me to talk for other players but I’ve never heard any conversation about that in the Australian change room and I can guarantee you my bat manufacturer (doesn’t do that),” Clarke was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

Pietersen also denied reports that he has cheated by using special tape on his bat to prevent the detection of edges.

“If I nick it, I’ll walk,” England batsman Pietersen, 33, said on Twitter. “To suggest I cheat by covering my bat with silicone (in order to fool the Hot Spot system) infuriates me. Such horrible lies.”

Pietersen added: “How stupid would I be to try to hide a nick when it could save me on an LBW appeal, like in 1st innings where Hot Spot showed I nicked it.”