The recent controversy surrounding alleged ball-tampering in English club cricket, dubbed the 'Clicky Ponting' scandal, has brought to light a history of rule-bending and unsportsmanlike conduct at grassroots levels. Brian Devine of Saltburn CC is reportedly under investigation after videos emerged appearing to show him clicking his fingers near fielders to mimic the sound of an edge, a tactic aimed at deceiving umpires into awarding wickets.
This incident, which has led to Devine's sponsorship being withdrawn by a local curry house, is emblematic of broader issues within club cricket. While high-profile international scandals like the 2018 sandpaper ball-tampering plot involving Australian cricketers and Alex Carey's controversial run-out of Jonny Bairstow in the 2023 Ashes have garnered significant attention, similar practices have been a recurring theme in lower leagues.
A History of Infractions
Accounts from former club players reveal a range of unsportsmanlike tactics employed over decades. One former player recalled opponents applying Vaseline to their bats to deaden the sound of an edge, a practice umpires reportedly deemed not against the rules at the time, despite suspicions of players rummaging in pockets for untoward substances. Another tactic involved deliberately wasting time when batting in fading light to disadvantage the opposing team, with players taking excessive time to pad up or throw equipment onto the field without penalty.
Issues have also extended to umpires and team officials. In the Leicestershire leagues during the late 1990s, one umpire was reportedly influenced by the prospect of a drink at the local pub, allegedly encouraging big appeals on leg-side deliveries. Some teams were also known to offer umpires drinks and sweets in a bid to gain favorable decisions. In one instance, a team was accused of sending the same batsman in twice using different kits, a plan only foiled when the scorer spotted the player with binoculars.
Deceptive Tactics in Play
Deceptive practices involving equipment have also been reported. A wicketkeeper was allegedly found to have attached an elastic band to his glove, snapping it to simulate the sound of a nicked ball and tricking umpires into giving batsmen out caught behind. Such incidents mirror the recent allegations against Devine.
Strategic decisions have also been used for dubious gain. In a 2017 Pembrokeshire league match, Carew CC declared their innings at 18 for one to deny rivals Cresselly CC bonus points needed to win the title, a move described as 'filthy and entirely legal' that ultimately secured the championship for Carew by a single point.
Other incidents include a batsman inadvertently dislodging his own bails while playing a shot, with the umpire mistakenly signaling a boundary for four, ending the game before the dismissal could be called. In another case, a team was caught attempting to use sawdust to improve bowlers' grip on a damp pitch, with a club captain having apparently hidden a bag of sawdust in his car boot.
Intimidation and Abuse
Beyond technical cheating, instances of intimidation and verbal abuse have also been noted. One player recounted being subjected to severe verbal abuse from a bowler during his senior debut at the age of 13, highlighting the harsh environment sometimes encountered in adult leagues. While not strictly cheating, such behavior detracts from the sport's traditional ethos.
These revelations underscore a persistent undercurrent of rule-bending and questionable tactics within club cricket, extending far beyond the recent 'Clicky Ponting' incident and suggesting a long-standing challenge to maintaining the 'spirit of cricket'.