HOBART, Australia: Match referee Chris Broad has cleared Australian paceman Peter Siddle of ball tampering in the first test at Hobart, saying allegation by the Sri Lankan team management are without substance.
Sri Lanka made an unofficial approach to Broad to complain that man-of-the-match Siddle had lifted the seam of the ball during Australia’s 137-run victory, citing television footage as evidence.
Broad said the umpires “found no evidence to suggest that the condition of the ball had been changed,” despite frequently inspecting the ball and reviewing the footage.
Broad’s decision means Siddle will not face any charge from the International Cricket Council over the allegations.
Siddle took 4-50 in Sri Lanka’s second innings for match figures of 9-104.
Siddle cleared of Sri Lankan ball tampering claims
