RSA_BALL-TAMP_28JUL94

Allegations of ball-tampering by S.African bowlers.

Reports in todays Telegraph indicate that photograhic evidence is available of SAf seamers picking at the ball during play in the test match. This evidence has come to light after reviewing both video and still footage of the game. SAf coach Mike Procter has rubbished the claims and called them a joke. He said [paraphrased] that bowlers often pick at the seam to remove grass caught in thread.

Further to claims of cheating during the test, two newspaper photographers claim to have pictures of Craig Matthews tampering with the ball during the SAf game against Derbyshire. They offered the photos to the umpires during the game, the umpires inspected the ball and after consultation with M.Procter the incident was not taken any further. The photos have not been published to date.