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Cameron Bancroft questioned by umpires for suspected ball tampering

by Manuj Sharma Saturday 24 March 2018

Cameron Bancroft is questioned for a ball tampering

©REUTERS

Australia opening batsman Cameron Bancroft has found himself in a middle of a controversy after he was questioned by the on-field umpires for a suspected ball tampering during the third day's play in the Newlands Test.

A series of footage released by the official broadcaster showed that Bancroft rubbed the ball with a material that was placed inside his pocket and when he was questioned by the officials, he transferred it to his trousers. A frontal view shown later by the broadcaster confirmed that the material was a square yellow object.

The umpires also called up Australian captain Steven Smith on the issue and when questioned Bancroft to show what he had on his pocket, the 25-year-old produced a black sunglass case.

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith could not hide his anger and was convinced of a ball tampering.

"In my opinion I think he's tampered with the ball and used an object to do that," said Smith.

"It does look like it's a bit of sandpaper. The footage doesn't look good. I'm quite amazed the umpires haven't done anything with the ball. The footage is quite damning."