Australia's cricket team has "been cleared of the ball tampering accusations" that surfaced during the first Test match with Sri Lanka, according to Jason Marsh of FOX SPORTS. Images and video showing "suspicious treatment of the ball have caused a stir," and reports circulated that the Sri Lankans alerted the Int'l Cricket Council to potential ball tampering. However, the ICC announced that "there is no evidence of foul play," with accused player Peter Siddle stating that he would "never jeopardise a match by cheating." The Sri Lankans have "confirmed that they did not in fact file a formal complaint." In a post-match press conference, Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said that the team "didn't make any formal complaint as they didn't see the incident, except for the well-publicised TV replays" (FOX SPORTS, 12/18).
NO EVIDENCE FOUND: In Melbourne, Andrew Wu reported match referee Chris Broad said in a statement that umpires cleared Siddle and Ed Cowan of any wrongdoing on Tuesday night after they "found no evidence to suggest that the condition of the ball had been changed." However, Broad "asked Channel Nine to send footage to the ICC," which has 24 hours after the completion of the game to lay charges. Pictures of the incident "were circulated on social media on Tuesday." After returning match figures of 9-104, Siddle said sarcastically, "I wake up in the morning, I thought today if I ran out there and ball tampered in front of 15 cameras and a lot of people watching the game I will get away with it -- that is a ridiculous statement. Why would I want to jeopardise that, when I know we can go out there and do everything in the spirit of the game and win?" (THE AGE, 12/19). In a statement, Broad said, "The umpires frequently inspect the ball during play, and did so again after they had reviewed the video footage in question on Sunday. They found no evidence to suggest that the condition of the ball had been changed. During the tea interval on that day, I spoke with Australia coach Mickey Arthur and told him that the umpires will continue to inspect the cricket ball regularly, and monitor the actions of all the players" (ICC).
