Ashes DRS controversy: ICC dismisses report of cheating by batsmen

The ICC today dismissed reports that it was investigating alleged attempts by players to negate the effectiveness of the Hot Spot technology during the ongoing Ashes series between England and Australia.

An Australian television station alleged that ICC General Manager Cricket, Geoff Allardice was flying from ICC headquarters here to Durham, the venue of the fourth Ashes Test, to investigate the matter.

However, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson denied any such plan on the part of the world body. "These media reports are totally incorrect. Geoff Allardice is meeting with both teams and umpires to see how we can best use the DRS and the available technology going forward in the next two Test matches. It has nothing to do with any players," he said in an ICC release.

The DRS is in the news in the ongoing Ashes for all wrong reasons after concerns were raised following England batsman Kevin Pietersen's dismissal in the final innings of the third Test.

Pietersen was adjudged out after an edge was not picked up by Hotspot but was confirmed by 'Snicko' technology and other audio evidence. But reports soon emerged in Australian media that Pietersen might have used silicon tapes on his blade to subvert Hot Spot technology.

Channel Nine television in Australia claimed that Hot Spot was failing to detect edges hitting bats because of batsmen applying silicone tape - a practice permitted by the laws of cricket. The report specifically mentioned Pietersen and referred to his dismissal in Third Ashes Test.

Pietersen denied the reports with an angry outburst on social networking site 'twitter'. "Horrible journalism yet again! My name brought up in hotspot crisis suggesting I use silicon to prevent nicks showing! Such hurtful lies," he tweeted.u00a0