Ind vs Eng / Pictures of England players scuffing ball with shoes surface, fans allege ball-tampering

London: Remember Cape Town Test 2018? The picture of Cameron Bancroft trying to hide the yellow paper in his pants had gone viral and soon, it was revealed that Australia were trying to change the condition of the ball. The repercussions of the incident were huge back home as the then captain and vice-captain, Steve Smith and David Warner, were banned for 12 months while Bancroft was told to stay away from cricket for nine months.

The ongoing second Test between England and India could come under the scanner in the same aspect. During the second session of Day 4 at Lord’s, multiple pictures of England players trying to keep the ball under their shoes have gone viral on social media.

The players shoes have spikes and it certainly plays a role in changing the condition of the red cherry. The conditions, since Day three, have been absolutely brilliant to bat at the Home of Cricket and there hasn’t been any kind of help in the air or off the pitch. The Indian bowlers were at the receiving end of a Joe Root masterclass as they didn’t find much swing.

Sun shining bright at Lord’s

Sun was out again at Lord’s on Sunday and while India haven’t really dominated the proceedings, they are not losing wickets in clumps either. And when conditions are bright and sunny, there is chance for the old ball to reverse as well. It doesn’t exist in England where the ball keeps on swinging all the time. The pictures which have gone viral on social media might seek the attention of the umpires after the end of day’s play as well.

With what can be seen, as many as three times, the ball could be seen under the players’ shoes. It also remains to be seen if the hosts come out with an explanation about the same in case things go out of hand. Currently, some attritional cricket is being played at Lord’s even as the Test is nicely poised.