Tait, Gilchrist convinced ball-tampering is widespread

Backing Shahid Afridi’s claim that all teams tamper with the ball, Australian pacer Shaun Tait said though he is yet to see it himself, there is little doubt that such cheating tactics are not new in international cricket.

“It probably goes on, but I have never seen it with my own eyes. I am sure there could be players that do it, but not that I have seen. I have never engaged in biting the ball,’ Tait was quoted by The Herald Sun.

Afridi, a former teammate of Tait in a state side in Melbourne, was banned for two Twenty20 games after being caught biting the ball during a One-dayer against Australia in Perth.

Former wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist felt such offences need to be dealt with strictly to set an example for others.

“I think what we saw on Sunday night in Perth and also in the England and South Africa series is that this is an issue that must be dealt with sooner rather than later,” Gilchrist said.

“There is simply too much weight of evidence that it’s occurring. I have no doubts that anyone caught should face extremely serious ramifications and punishment.

“It’s up to the players to take the call on this one and say this simply cannot be tolerated,” Gilchrist said.