16 Jun 2013

English cricketers accused of ball tampering

10:05 am on 16 June 2013

The England limited overs coach Ashley Giles has denied his players tamper with the ball following controversial allegations by former captain Bob Willis.

Willis told Sky Sports that Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar and New Zealand's Billy Bowden had ordered the ball be changed while Sri Lanka were batting during their seven-wicket Champions Trophy win over England at The Oval on Thursday because it had been tampered with.

After England's tournament-opening win over defending champions Australia at Edgbaston, Australia stand-in captain George Bailey said he was "very surprised" by the speed with which Giles's side got the ball to reverse.

However, Giles insisted an abrasive pitch at Edgbaston had played a key role in aiding England's use of reverse-swing against Australia.

Prior to the Champions Trophy, New Zealand beat Giles's men 2-1 in a one-day series in England.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said Saturday he'd seen nothing untoward during recent home and away matches against England.