Kevin Pietersen angrily defended himself today after he was accused of “cheating” by applying special tape to his bat to increase his chances of escaping detection by Hot Spot.
Questions have been asked about the effectiveness of Hot Spot, the thermal imaging device that should be able to detect whether a batsman has edged the ball, throughout the Ashes series. Reports in Australia suggested batsmen were using silicone-based tape which might render Hot Spot impotent.
Pietersen was named in a report in Australia in reference to his second-innings dismissal in the drawn Third Investec Test at Old Trafford. Pietersen was given out even though there was no Hot Spot mark on the bat, although audio evidence and Snicko suggested he had edged the ball.
Pietersen tweeted today: “My name brought up in Hot Spot crisis suggesting I use silicon to prevent nicks showing! Such hurtful lies. To suggest I cheat by covering my bat with silicon infuriates me. How stupid would I be to try & hide a nick when it could save me on an LBW appeal, like in 1st innings where Hot Spot showed I nicked it. I am never afraid of getting out! If I nick it, I’ll walk.”
Hot Spot inventor Warren Brennan was today expected to make a statement about the problems with the technology.
The International Cricket Council are thought to have sent Geoff Allardice, their director of cricket operations, to speak to both teams before the Fourth Test starts on Friday.
Players from England and Australia, and rival coaches Andy Flower and Darren Lehmann, have admitted to confusion and frustration regarding the Decision Review System during this series. But Pietersen is clearly furious at any suggestion players have been doctoring their bats.
Australia captain Michael Clarke added: “I find the accusation quite funny. I can’t talk for everybody but if it is the case we are talking about cheating, I can tell you there is not one person in the Australian changing room who is a cheat.
“That’s not the way we play cricket. I know no one is going to the extreme of saying ‘put this on your bat’ because it will help you beat Hot Spot.”
