Surrey CCC’s Liam Plunkett cleared by ICC of ball foul play

BY MARCUS HOOK

The ICC have cleared Surrey’s Liam Plunkett following accusations he sought to alter the condition of the ball during England’s second One-Day International (ODI) against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl.

Footage emerged the following day of Plunkett running his fingers over the ball during the Pakistan innings, but the game’s governing body confirmed that the 34-year-old seamer had no case to answer.

A statement read: “The ICC has confirmed that the match officials are comfortable there was no attempt by Liam Plunkett to change the condition of the ball or any evidence of this on the over-by-over examinations of the ball throughout Saturday’s ODI clash in Southampton.”

The incident has been closed as far as officials are concerned, but it is seen as a warning to teams that they will be monitored closely during the World Cup, particularly in the light of last year’s high-profile ball-tampering scandal involving Australia.