Joe Root unaware of ball-tampering concerns in Ashes

The entire cricketing fraternity has been shaken by the ugly turn of events in the third Test between Australia vs South Africa. With ball-tampering accusations and unsightly images of Cameron Bancroft of Australia trying to manipulate the exterior of the cricket ball caught on camera, have raised ample questions regarding the extent of the discrepancy and for how long it’s been in motion. English skipper, Joe Root recently revealed that he was unaware of any concerns regarding ball tampering in the Ashes.

England have lost the first Test against New Zealand by a staggering margin of an innings and 49 runs, giving serious issues to the English team to mull over. Speaking to reporters in Auckland following their disastrous loss to the Kiwis, Root opined on the ball tampering scandal. Recently, the former English captain, Nasser Hussain also urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take stringent action against ball tampering and expressed concerns of such unfair activities having take place in the Ashes.

Root, Broad deny concerns about ball tampering in Ashes

Joe Root dismissed any concerns about any illegal activities having taken place in the Ashes and said, “Not to my knowledge. I was not aware of any ball tampering. I have enough to worry about… but it’s disappointing for test cricket and cricket in general.”

He went on to explain how the onus of a team’s behaviour lies mainly with the captain and said as quoted by The Guardian, “As captain, you’re responsible for how everyone else behaves. I have to look after my own group and make sure I’m happy with how they conduct themselves. As an international player, you should know the rules. I should not have to back that up. It’s as simple as that.”

Root’s teammate, Stuart Broad seconded his captain on not being in the know of any tampering by Australian bowlers. Previously, Australia were able to get reverse swing in the Ashes, in conditions that were not usually favourable to it. In light of recent events, old footage of Bancroft carrying packets of sugar granules in his pocket to the field have resurfaced, raising questions as to if the sugar particles had been used to rough up the surface of the ball in the Ashes.