IT’S POMMIE-BASHING, SAYS BAYLISS
ENGLAND last night angrily denied Australian accusations of ball-tampering that overshadowed a rain-hit Melbourne Test. The ‘cheat’ storm was sparked by Australian TV network Fox Sports claiming England had been questioned ‘multiple times’ over potential ball-tampering, with Jimmy Anderson the alleged culprit. A posting on Fox Sports’ Twitter account read: ‘England questioned multiple times by umpires over potential ball-tampering at the MCG. Legend may have gone too far.’ England spokesman Danny Reuben complained to Fox
Sports about the incendiary tweet, for which they apologised. They then took it down. But, by that time, the damage was done, with other outlets, including Cricket Australia’s website, quoting former Aussie Test players, such as Shane Warne, suggesting Anderson might have done something untoward. While commentating on
Channel Nine, Warne said: ‘I’m not sure you are allowed to use your fingernails there. This might get people talking.’ And Mitchell Johnson, the bowler who destroyed England on the last Ashes tour, posted a quizzical emoji face on Twitter with the message: ‘England getting reverse swing after 10 overs.’ England coach Trevor Bayliss saw the stories about Anderson and immediately went to the umpires’ room at the MCG to complain. Bayliss said: ‘As soon as I saw the headlines, I raced in to see the umpires and asked had they seen some headlines on the news. ‘They must have seen it because they said straight away: “Don’t worry, absolutely nothing in it”. Kumar’s (Dharmasena) words were: “It was a beat-up (made up)”.’ Bayliss added: ‘Kumar said there is a bit of dirt and mud out there and, if it does get on the ball and into some of the seams, you are allowed to clean it. ‘If Jimmy was scratching it, he was scratching the wrong side for it to go reverse.’ Umpires Sundaram Ravi and Dharmasena did not speak to Anderson but did twice talk to England captain Joe Root about players throwing the ball in on one bounce to scuff it up — a tactic the Australians also use. Bayliss added: ‘We have had a good couple of days so there’s been a bit of Pommie-bashing there. We are used to that.’