England bowler Liam Plunkett in clear after cheat claims as ICC say match officials found no evidence of ball-tampering in ODI win over Pakistan
England were caught up in a cheat storm after Pakistan supporters accused Liam Plunkett of altering the condition of the ball towards the death of Eoin Morgan’s side’s 12-run win in Southampton.
However, after footage emerged on social media that appeared to show the England fast bowler rubbing the ball with his fingertips, the International Cricket Council said they were satisfied no tampering had taken place.
‘The match officials are comfortable that there was no attempt to change the condition of the ball or any evidence of this on the over-by-over examinations of the ball throughout the game,’ said an ICC spokesperson.
England bowler Liam Plunkett was accused of ball-tampering but the ICC have cleared him
New Zealander Chris Gaffaney, the umpire standing at the end from which Plunkett was bowling, confirmed to match referee Richie Richardson that no scratches or unusual blemishes were visible on the leather.
Sportsmail can reveal that Plunkett himself sought out Richardson at the Ageas Bowl after becoming aware of the unverified video clips being shared online.
The ECB declined to comment.
Plunkett (left) took two wickets to help England beat Pakistan at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl