‘It’s not cricket’: cheating row as ‘Clicky Ponting’ appears to dupe umpire

A controversy has erupted in English club cricket following a viral video that appears to show a fielder using a deceptive tactic to get a batter out. The footage, from a match in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League, allegedly captures a fielder clicking his fingers to mimic the sound of the ball hitting the batter's bat, or 'nicking' it.

The incident has been widely discussed online, with some dubbing it 'Clicky Ponting' in a nod to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who was involved in the infamous 'Sandpapergate' ball-tampering scandal. The video shows the batter looking bemused after being caught, seemingly unaware of the alleged ruse.

This alleged act of unsportsmanlike conduct has sparked debate about cheating in cricket, a sport often associated with fair play. While the video has gone viral, the league and the players involved have yet to issue official statements on the matter, leaving the cricket community to dissect the footage and its implications.