The Ashes 2013: ICC investigates alleged Hot Spot cheating

The Hot Spot failed to find an edge on Kevin Pietersen’s bat in the third Test at Old Trafford, but the on-field decision of out was upheld by the third-umpire

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is investigating the various methods employed by batsmen to evade distinct edges being noticed by the highly-debated Hot Spot technology in the ongoing Ashes series.

According to ABC News, Australia’s Channel Nine Network reported that the ICC are looking into claims that batsmen were taping the edges of their bats with silicon tapes in order to deceive the Hot Spot cameras from capturing the impression left by the ball on the edges of the blades.

The investigations began in the wake of Kevin Pietersen‘s decision wherein he was declared out by umpire Tony Hill after edging Australian paceman Peter Siddle through to Brad Haddin behind the stumps. The decision was upheld by the third umpire despite the Hot Spot not showing an edge.

The Decision Review System (DRS) which does not include the Snickometer, but instead uses the Hot Spot technology to detect an edge off a batsman’s bat is based on the principles of infra-red imaging system which displays a bright white spot in case of the ball making contact with the bat, causing friction.

However, Grandstand commentator Jim Maxwell refutes the claims of batsmen taping their bats to dodge the Hot Spot cameras and remarks:

“People used to put vellum down the side of their bat.

“You can put all sorts of stuff … you can put Vaseline on it.

“It might be against the spirit of the game but at the end of the day the technology is bad news… it doesn’t work,” he said.

On the same lines, Australian batsman Usman Khawaja was controversially declared out by on-field umpire Tony Hill and was backed by third umpire Kumar Dharmasena despite evidence which suggested otherwise, after scoring just one on the first day of the third Test at Old Trafford.

Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland demanded an explanation from the ICC as to how the decision was arrived at, following criticism on the verdict by Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and former Australian leg-spin legend Shane Warne.

Sutherland said, “CA remains a strong supporter of DRS and believes it is important that cricket continues to improve and build confidence in the DRS.

“We understand and accept that from time to time mistakes can be made. However, in this instance, on behalf of the player, the team and all cricket fans, we feel duty bound to seek further explanation as to how this decision was arrived at.”