New Delhi:
The ongoing ODI series between Australia and South Africa is the first encounter between the sides since the acrimonious ball-tampering scandal in the Newlands Test. There has been little talk about that incident in this series, with both Australia and South Africa both shying away from being overly aggressive.
However, it seems that the ball-tampering scandal is still lurking in the backdrop. Australia’s seven-run win in Adelaide helped them snap their seven-match losing streak in ODIs but in the aftermath of the win, a footage has emerged on social media involving legspinner Adam Zampa.
Read More | Women’s World T20: Lesbian couples give tournament colourful twist
A Twitter user named @marcongers uploaded a footage involving Zampa suspiciously rubbing the ball. In the 42nd over, with South Africa needing 47 off 48 balls to win with three wickets in hand, skipper Aaron Finch turned to Zampa for the breakthrough.
Before bowling the over, Zampa put his right arm in his pocket and seemed to be fiddling inside for 10 seconds. After that, he has an exchange with Glenn Maxwell, takes his hand out of the pocket and vigorously rubs the ball. This prompted several users to allege that Australia’s win was stained by ball-tampering.
They wouldn't be doing it again would they...why oh why do they still allow pockets?? pic.twitter.com/Yxnm4beqHM
— Marco (@marcongers) November 9, 2018
No official word has come from either the South African or Australian players or officials. The ICC have not commented on this issue.
Read More |Kagiso Rabada in danger of ban after Chris Lynn send-off in Adelaide
Ball-tampering scars fresh
Earlier in 2018, the cricketing world was plunged in turmoil during the Newlands Test when Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera taking a yellow sandpaper out of his pocket to alter the condition of the ball. He was eventually caught and the ensuing fall-out was massive.
Steve Smith and David Warner admitted to their role in the scandal and both men were stripped of their leadership positions. Smith and Warner were banned for one year by Cricket Australia for their role in the ball-tampering saga while Bancroft received a nine-month ban.
