Australia did not tamper with the ball in Cape Town
It was all a big misunderstanding; here's the inside story
"Guys, I'll keep it brief" • AFP/Getty Images
On-field tensions, fights in stairwells, spectator abuse - Australia's tour of South Africa had already seen enough drama. Amid flaring tensions, Australia are looking at a tough afternoon in the field on the third day of the Cape Town Test. During the 43rd over, a sequence of Cameron Bancroft taking a small yellow object from his pocket and shoving it down his trousers is being replayed on the screen. A collective gasp echoes. Bancroft is shown explaining something to the umpires at the end of the over, following which play resumes, but reactions start pouring in.
Bancroft, captain Steven Smith and the offending object are present at the press conference. Journalists are hovering around them, trying to get a glimpse of the "ball-tampering" tool. Bancroft holds it up. "Unwrapped my new undies this morning and left the sticker on by mistake," he says. Awkward laughter fills the room.
Despite being given a clean chit, Bancroft is miffed at the premature accusations and "Captain Underpants" taunts. He slams a double-ton and carries his bat in Australia's second innings to take them to a big win. Australia go on to win the series and Bancroft's fine form continues through the year.
Sruthi Ravindranath is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo