Peter Siddle has been cleared of ball tampering charges after reports he had been seen picking the ball's seam during the first innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Hobart.
Test match referee Chris Broad had earlier said there was no formal complaint made by Sri Lankan management, before releasing a statement clearing the fast bowler of the charges.
"In the opinion of the umpires, there was no evidence to suggest that the condition of the ball was changed, or that the video or photographic evidence would support a charge under the code of conduct, so they will not be laying any charges relating to these incidents," he said in a statement.
Cricket news website Cricinfo and a Sri Lankan newspaper both reported that the tourists' management had discussed a claim with Broad that Australian players were seen picking the ball's seam during the first innings.
An unsourced report on Cricinfo said Sri Lankan officials were concerned by footage of Siddle, who took 5 for 54 in the first innings, before finishing with match figures of 9 for 104.
Newspaper the Daily News claimed two "prominent Australians" were noticed picking the seam.
"It is hoped that an inquiry will be held and that if the story is true, appropriate action will be taken and the culprits exposed," the report read.
Broad issued a statement saying he had received no formal complaint.
"ICC match referee Chris Broad is aware of the media reports coming out of Sri Lanka on the ball issue," it read.
"The Sri Lankan team has made no official complaint about the ball."
ABC/AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, hobart-7000, tas, australia, sri-lanka First posted December 18, 2012 12:31:46
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