Ball tampering issue a close chapter for ICC

Dubai:

With South Africa not lodging any formal complaint against the English bowlers, the International Cricket Council on Wednesday said it would consider the ball-tampering episode of the Cape Town Test as a closed chapter.

"The International Cricket Council confirms that it has received no official lodgment from South Africa team management laying a charge against any England player following reports of alleged breaches of Law 42.3 (changing the condition of the ball).

"With play on day four of the match having resumed, the deadline for submission of such notification has now passed," the ICC said in a statement.

"In addition, having reviewed relevant television footage, the umpires decided not to bring a charge against any player for a breach of Law 42.3. As such, the ICC now considers this specific matter to be closed," it added.

England pacer Stuart Broad was seen stopped the ball with his boot and then stepping on it with spikes, while his bowling colleague James Anderson was also seen tinkering with the seam.

A Cricket South Africa spokesman said the Proteas did mention the incident to Match Referee Roshan Mahanama but decided against lodging a formal complaint.