Amateur cricket team under investigation after fielder accused of cheating by clicking fingers to trick umpires

· 3 min read

A North Yorkshire cricket team is being investigated after accusations of cheating were made against one of their players for allegedly trying to trick umpires into awarding wickets by clicking his fingers.  

Footage of an alleged incident, which took place in a Division Two match between Saltburn Cricket Club and Norton Cricket Club on Saturday, has since gone viral on social media with the clip nearing five million views by lunchtime on Tuesday.

Some users have suggested the fielder, seen standing at slip, clicks his fingers as the ball passes an opponent's bat to imitate the noise of an edge.

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The clip shows Saltburn's wicketkeeper then catching the ball behind the stumps. The team appeals to the umpire, who gives the batter out.

In response, the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League says it has launched an investigation into the matter.

Sky Sports News has contacted Saltburn Cricket Club for comment.

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"The League have received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday," a statement from North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League said.

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"A full investigation has been initiated, and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made."

Saltburn currently sit top of the Division Two league table having won 10 of their 15 matches this season.

The team's wicketkeeper also leads the league for the most fielding dismissals - 34, of which 31 came from catches behind the stumps.

Earlier in July, Saltburn secured a 22-run victory against Shildon Railway Cricket Club, a match in which their wicketkeeper took eight catches.

After the video surfaced on social media, Middlesbrough second XI captain Rory Cotterill alleged that two further incidents had taken place during a game between his side and Saltburn in June.