Cricket match goes viral as video emerges of ‘worst case of cheating ever seen’ in the sport with investigation launched

AN AMATEUR cricket match has prompted a social media storm after a player was accused of a bizarre method of cheating. Saltburn Cricket Club’s second XI hosted Norton’s in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League second division on Saturday. An amateur cricket match has prompted a social media storm after a player was accused of a bizarre method of cheating The clip appears to show a Saltburn fielder clicking his fingers as a ball passes wide of a batter But a viral video sparked controversy after eagle-eyed fans noticed a player’s gesture which they allege shows him cheating. The clip appears to show a Saltburn fielder clicking his fingers as a ball passes wide of a batter and into the hands of wicketkeeper Josh Bowes. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Despite it appearing as though the ball missed the bat by a margin, the Saltburn players appeal and the batter is called out. There are accusations that the clicking motion made by the fielder could be an attempt to produce a sound as though the ball had made contact with the edge of bat. There are accusations that the clicking motion made by the fielder could be an attempt to produce a sound as though the ball had made contact with the edge of bat Social media users were convinced the clip shows the fielder using questionable means to gain an advantage for his side, who went on to win by 159 runs If the umpire believes there was contact when there was none, then a catch by the wicketkeeper would be unfairly ruled a wicket. Social media users were convinced the clip shows the fielder using questionable means to gain an advantage for his side, who went on to win by 159 runs. One wrote: “This is about the worst case of cheating I’ve ever seen in cricket.” Another furious fan added: “This is disgraceful behaviour. Utterly against everything that cricket is meant to be about. Shameful.” Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Piers Morgan even got in on the pile-on, adding: “Unbelievable. Clicky Ponting must be the biggest cheat in cricket history. “How long has he been doing this? How many batsmen’s days has he ruined?” The league released a statement confirming that the incident was under investigation in a statement to X, writing: “The league have received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday. “A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made.” Saltburn are currently top of Division 2 by 17 points. Keeper Bowes has a league-high 31 catches, including eight in a single game last week against Shildon Railway – 10 more than the next best player. SunSport has reached out to Saltburn Cricket Club for comment. 1 comment1