I have absolutely no interest in ball games of any kind, and I couldn't care less about 'ball tampering' or anything else done by people playing stupid games. The most entertaining thing about this incident is the wonderful opportunity it has provided for an all out virtue-signalling fest for self-hating Australians. It is PATHETIC.

I've seen this picture before, three or more players in a huddle with ball in hand and one player needing to re-tie his trousers. Then mysteriously the ball starts to reverse and wickets tumble? But cleverly, not always!

Moreover, the ball in hand action performed by that new player has been replicated around the world by various, who me/us? Teams/players! Many of who are now loudest in their condemnation! Check the archives!

That said, it's high time some courageous captain or team, did something to draw the seemingly missing attention by match referees to this practice/activity by many teams players and bowlers!

Steve has shown rare courage by highlighting and drawing attention to what can only be described as widespread practise; and seemingly committed under the very noses of some "Umpires"?

For mine the only way to stop quite deliberate ball tampering by either side is to have a ball at both ends and only handled by the selected bowler and the umpire. Unless caught or stopped in the outfield and where the only return can be in the air directly to the wicket keeper, then the bowler.

Even then any moisture added to the ball must come from the skin of the bowler, nobody else and NIL BY MOUTH!

After that, new balls should be taken after say, twenty overs, if only to limit opportunities by serial offenders for really sneaky ball tampering?

Eventually something like graphene will be added to the lacquer and all such practice effectively prevented!?

Then the really skilful bowlers with UNASSISTED talent/ability, will dominate/gain selection?
Alan B.

Jewish survivors of nazi death camps noted with interest, many of the more sadistic of the SS commanders, stood close to the whipping posts throughout floggings, with hands deep into their pickets playing with their “balls” and masturbating.
The colour of their balls wasn't recognisable, but their faces were red!

Of course they cheat. Cheats in sport are abound. The 'prestige' and win-at-any-cost mantra strips these competitions of any right to call them 'sport.' Athletes are not 'heroes.' They are well overpaid for what they do.

Global warming alarmist, CatholicPriests and sportsman all confirm how corrupt man is. Thank God for the One and only incorruptible One.

runner,

Go take a namesake and jump.