Kepler Wessels believes that ‘non-radical’ ball-tampering could add to the excitement of the game.
Mike Haysman and Kepler Wessels used their experience, gained from playing for Australia and South Africa, to reveal some secrets regarding methods of ball-tampering.
On the programme Inside Edge, Wessels revealed that ball-tampering should be allowed, because it adds excitement to the game.
‘You should be allowed to alter the ball as long as it’s not radical; it’s good for the game,’ he said. ‘Roughing up the ball and making sure the ball shines for longer will allow the ball to do amazing things.’
In light of the Faf debacle which saw him get fined 100% of his match fee, there has been divided opinions among fans and pundits alike.
Former Titans bowler Pierre Joubert strongly opposed the ICC charges.
‘Faf was not doing anything wrong,’ he said. ‘It’s just sour grapes and Australia should’ve killed the story immediately.
‘I’ve seen players eat jelly babies, gum and all kinds of sweets in my time,’ he added. ‘Common sense should prevail because you can’t stop people from walking on the field with a sweet or gum, so how can you fine players for ball-tampering when they shine the ball with a sweet in their mouth.’
Victor Mpitsang tiptoed gingerly over the topic, saying: ‘It’s a difficult one but I never thought that it was that bad when I saw the footage the first time. I never thought he was guilty until the ruling was made by the ICC.
‘He shouldn’t have been found guilty.’
The 36-year-old, who played two ODIs for the Proteas, continued by saying that umpires should take on-field action if they feel anything illegal is occurring.
‘If there was something wrong with the ball the umpires should’ve picked it up and changed the ball. If the ball was in such a nature that it was unusable the ball should’ve been changed.’
Paul Harris did not hold back at all with his thoughts on the issue.
‘The whole thing was blown out of proportion,’ he said. ‘Shining the ball with mint saliva doesn’t alter the shape of the ball.’
He then warned that the ICC will have to just take on scrutiny from all angles as chewing gum or sucking sweets during play is a common thing and every player does it. He also criticised the way the whole incident was handled and the incident takes the gloss off a series win where SA have been superior.
‘It’s going to to open up a big can of worms,’ Harris continued. ‘ICC have policed it wrong, everyone does it and it happens in every Test match. The rule needs to be revised because what happens to those players who chew gum and shine the ball, should they also be fined?’
