Cricketer dubbed 'Clicky Ponting' suspended as stats show unusual trend
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- Amateur cricketer Brian Devine has been suspended by his club, Saltburn Cricket Club, amid allegations of mimicking the sound of the ball hitting the bat.
- Social media posts and data analysis suggest a statistically significant increase in wicketkeeper catches during matches Devine played.
- The club is cooperating with a league investigation, and Devine has not commented on the allegations, which remain unproven.
An amateur cricketer, Brian Devine, nicknamed 'Clicky Ponting,' has been suspended by his club, Saltburn Cricket Club, following allegations that he mimicked the sound of the ball hitting the bat during matches. The controversy gained traction after videos surfaced online claiming Devine clicked his fingers as the ball passed the bat to simulate an edge.
We are treating this allegation with the utmost seriousness and, as a family-centric club, we are fully cooperating with the league's investigation.
Adding a statistical dimension to the claims, an amateur data analyst on social media platform X examined scorecards from Saltburn games. The analysis reportedly shows a dramatic increase in wicketkeeper catches when Devine was playing. According to the analyst's findings, there were 39 keeper catches in 13 matches with Devine involved, compared to only 5 keeper catches in 7 matches without him.
The player at the centre of the complaint has been suspended and will not play again for the club this season or in the foreseeable future, pending the outcome of this investigation.
Saltburn Cricket Club stated they are treating the allegations with the utmost seriousness and are fully cooperating with the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League's investigation. The club has suspended Devine for the remainder of the season and the foreseeable future, pending the investigation's outcome. The club has also forfeited its next match.
39 keeper catches in 13 matches with Devine. 5 keeper catches in 7 without.
Devine himself has not yet commented on the allegations, and the investigation by the league is ongoing. The claims remain unproven at this stage. Australian cricket podcasters The Grade Cricketer have reportedly offered financial support to Devine and the club.
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.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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