SOUTH AFRICA TOUR OF ENGLAND, 2017

De Villiers unimpressed with ball-tampering insinuation

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Even though the umpires didn't opt for changing the ball, the entire episode left de Villiers fuming. © Getty

South Africa One-Day International captain AB de Villiers hit out at on-field umpires Rob Bailey and Chris Gaffaney for insinuating that his team were attempting to tamper with the ball during Saturday's (May 27) second game against England in Southampton.

De Villiers was embroiled in a lengthy and animated discussion with the two umpires after the 33rd over of England's innings, when the two umpires got together to check the condition of the ball. Under the tampering protocols, the umpires are expected to speak to the fielding captain if the ball's conditions deteriorate beyond expectation. If umpires find a reason to believe that the ball's condition has been forcefully altered, the ball will be changed and the captain reported.

Eventually, Bailey and Gaffaney decided against opting for a ball change but the entire episode left de Villiers fuming. "The umpires felt the condition of the ball changed in a way making me feel we are responsible as a team and I was quite upset about that," he said. "I honestly told the umpires we had nothing to do with the condition of the ball except for the fact Maharajah bowled five overs on the trot and the ball scuffs up when the spinner bowls a few overs. One ball looked new still, the other one a bit scuffed up. I expressed my views about that and we move on.

The South African skipper seemed particularly taken aback at the implication from the umpires that his side had perhaps been engaging in unlawful practice. Only six months ago, Test skipper Faf du Plessis was fined his match fee after being spotted sucking on a mint and using that saliva on the ball during a Test match in Australia.

"Yes I did feel that (South Africa were accused of ball tampering)," de Villiers said. "I think it was just a bad Kookaboora ball on the day. That happens sometimes. The leather comes off badly-manufactured balls. That was my feeling, unfortunately the umpires did not agree. Nothing happened. Generally there is a warning or fine but that did not happen so that tells me they think we were innocent in this case. I think."

South Africa conceded the ODI series to England following their second defeat on the bounce, despite needing only 10 runs at a-run-a-ball at the end. De Villiers was quick to acknowledge the strong death-bowling skills of Jake Ball and Mark Wood, who conceded just six singles and a leg bye to deny David Miller and Chris Morris.

"I thought the boys played a great hand at the end there, to get us so close," de Villiers said. "I got a bit excited, thought we had it in the bag. Got to give credit to the last two bowlers of England, who finished there, they showed some great skill and good plans. Unfortunately, it didn't go our way, we didn't get the lucky bounce - if you want to call it that, a little edge over the keeper. We were just waiting for one little break and it would be game over. The boys gave it their best shot. Chris and David played a great knock, built a great partnership but unfortunately we couldn't cross the line."

Stokes to be monitored

Meanwhile, having clinched the series, England have the option of resting talisman Ben Stokes for the third one-dayer on Monday, with the all-rounder set to have further scans on his injured left knee. Stokes, who continued his rich vein of form by slamming a century in England's victory, experienced pain while bowling his three overs.

"We are constantly monitoring him and will manage him as best we can," captain Eoin Morgan said. "It is a strange injury. It aggravates in his bowling stride and is ok batting but we want Ben Stokes the all-rounder. Unless he is injured or a risk then I think he will play (on Monday)"

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