Watch: Cricket cheating row erupts as fielder clicks fingers to fool umpire
Credit: @ben_mummery/X/play-cricket.comA cheating row has erupted in club cricket after a fielder was accused of tricking umpires by clicking his fingers to signify an edge off the bat.An investigation has been launched into alleged cheating at Saltburn Cricket Club in North Yorkshire, after footage appeared online that raised suspicion.AdvertisementIn several videos that have gone viral on social media, Saltburn Cricket Club's second XI slip fielder appears to click his fingers as the ball passes the bat, imitating the sound of the ball clipping the edge. The umpire then gives the bemused batsman out caught behind.The initial footage was from last weekend's North Yorkshire and South Durham League (NYSD) match against Norton CC. Saltburn won that match by a thumping 159 runs, but other examples appearing to show the same issue have since surfaced.Amateur sleuths on social media went to work, scouring scorecards and watching clips of dismissals. Scorecards and videos of dismissals are available on the website Play Cricket. The matches are also live-streamed.AdvertisementThe NYSD confirmed it was investigating the matter. In a statement to Telegraph Sport also posted on social media, the league said: "The League have received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday. A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made."The incident provoked a fierce reaction on social media. Ben Mummery, the X user who first brought the situation to light, described it as "worst case of cheating" he had ever seen.In response, Rory Cotterill, who captained Middlesbrough CC's 2nd XI in a 29-run defeat to Saltburn in June, alleged that two further cases occurred in that match.The scorecard from last weekend's match against Shildon Railway CC shows that Saltburn seconds' wicketkeeper took eight catches. He appears to be averaging almost four per match in his eight games this season.AdvertisementSaltburn CC were approached for comment.
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