Ontong cleared of ball-tampering charge
Justin Ontong, captain of the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras, has been found not guilty of an alleged breach of Clause 2.2.9 of Cricket South Africa’s Rules and Code of Conduct during the Sunfoil Series Match – Cape Cobras versus bizhub Highveld Lions – played at Sahara Park Newlands from 10 - 13 January 2013.
This clause deals with changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 of the Laws of Cricket, as modified by ICC Standard test Match, ODI and Twenty20 International Match Playing Conditions clause 42.1.
The ball in question was sent to Kookaburra, Victoria, Australia, for examination and testing. On 5 February Rob Elliot (Director: Kookaburra) reported that “on examination with the naked eye it could easily be assumed that the ball had been tampered with”. He went on to say that this cannot be said with certainty as it would require forensic examination as “it could be a manufacturing anomaly in so far as the stitch has pulled through the leather.”
CSA Disciplinary Commissioner Professsor Rian Cloete has made the following finding and issued the following order:
”In view of this report and the lack of any other evidence, I find that there is no conclusive evidence substantiating the allegation of ball tampering as stated in the Match Report.
”The following order is made:
I find Mr Ontong not guilty of a breach of clause 2.2.9.”
