MORE clips emerge of ‘Clicky Ponting’ cricketer ‘using illegal clicking tactic’ as club accused of cheating ‘for years’

MORE clips have emerged of the cricketer dubbed “Clicky Ponting” allegedly cheating – with his club accused of using the same tactic “for years”. The outrage began after initial footage appeared to show player Brian Devine clicking his fingers to fake wickets during a league match for Saltburn in North Yorkshire. Brian Devine is at the heart of a scandal accusing players of clicking their fingers to fake wickets Credit: X Initial footage of the alleged incident during a match against Norton sparked a social media storm Credit: X The 38-year-old allegedly used the bizarre tactic to trick umpires into believing batsmen had edged the ball during the game against Norton. However, further clips in at least two other matches appear to show him doing the same thing. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! The original video appears to show Saltburn 2nd XI slip fielder Devine clicking his fingers moments before wicketkeeper Josh Bowes takes a catch against Norton 2nd XI. After the clip was posted by amateur cricketer Ben Mummery earlier this week, clocking up more than six million views, and dubbed it “about the worst case of cheating I have ever seen in cricket”. It is alleged that Saltburn has been employing the ‘scam’ for more than a season Credit: Facebook More clips have emerged with posters dubbing the batsman ‘Clicky Ponting’ Credit: Facebook Eagle-eyed viewers then began to trawl the archives for other similar incidents. As a result, they claim to have turned up dozens of alleged examples, suggesting Saltburn – which describes itself as “friendly, sociable and inclusive” – has been employing the scam for more than a season. In the clips seen by The Sun, in matches earlier this season against Middlesbrough and Wolviston, opening batsman Devine is seen standing at first clip, apparently clicking his fingers. Posters have dubbed him “Clicky Ponting”, a play on ex-Aussie captain Ricky Ponting. Most read in Sport Devine, 38, of Guisborough, works at an auction house Credit: Nrthallertonauctions.com Several other teams claim to have been victim of the ruse Credit: X One video, posted by Rory Cotterill, captain of Middlesbrough CC’s second XI, showed incidents in a game on June 27 in which Saltburn won by 29 runs. Others also posted clips from a match against Wolviston. Piers Morgan is among the cricket fans to weigh in, calling it “outrageous cheating”. He added: “Just the tip of the iceberg from all that’s come out since it was exposed. “Clicky Ponting (as he is now known) and various teammates at Saltburn CC, have clearly been at this shameful scam for years. “Imagine doing this in local amateur cricket? Pathetic.” One fan fumed: “This is about the worst case of cheating I’ve ever seen in cricket.” Another blasted: “This is disgraceful behaviour. Utterly against everything cricket is meant to be about. Shameful.” Craig Symington, who shared footage of the incident online, wrote: “We play this game on integrity and trust. Please share this far and wide to sort this rubbish out.” The captain of one club alleged Saltburn had benefited from similar dismissals over an extended period. He said: “It’s clear what’s been happening and it’s not confined to one game. “I was at the other end when one of our players was dismissed, but our batsman was adamant he was nowhere near the ball. “We had three given out caught behind that day, and all of them said they hadn’t touched the ball.” A formal investigation by the cricketing authorities is now under way. A statement from the North Yorkshire and South Durham League reads: “The League has received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday 25 July 2026. “A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete, no further comment will be made.” Disciplinary options include kicking Saltburn out of the league – one of more than 30 premier leagues at the top level of recreational cricket in England and Wales. Other sanctions could involve handing out lifetime bans or suspensions for individual players or whole teams. Devine, an businessman and auctioneer, told the Daily Mail: “Naturally, I cannot comment on that. “I also cannot answer any questions because I am currently at work.” He also faces being dropped by his official sponsor, a local Indian restaurant called Spices. Proprietor Akmol Hussain told the Mail: “I’m very shocked and disgusted by this video and can’t believe that Brian would do something like this. “I’ve met him many times, but he has damaged the reputation of cricket and my restaurant.” The Sun has reached out to Saltburn CC for comment. Comment now