An investigation has been launched after a dishonest storm – fuelled by viral social media video proof – engulfed English grassroots cricket.
Its focus is Saltburn Cricket Membership in North Yorkshire after on-line footage appeared to indicate a slip fielder fooling umpires by clicking his fingers to mimic the sound of an edge off the bat. A number of movies counsel it has been taking place for a while.
Footage from Saltburn’s 2nd XI match with Norton Cricket Membership in Division Two of the North Yorkshire and South Durham League final weekend confirmed a ball delivered by Saltburn bowler Sam Morrison passing the bat of Nortman batsman Noman Shabir with out making contact with it.
On the similar time, Saltburn slip fielder – who Day by day Mail Sport understands is Brian Devine – appears to click on his fingers. When Saltburn wicketkeeper Josh Bowes takes the ball, Saltburn enchantment and the umpire offers Shabir out.
Shabir can clearly be seen objecting to his dismissal and appears to point to the umpire that he didn’t hit the ball and that the noise heard was a clicking of fingers as an alternative.
The clip and different related proof have attracted worldwide media consideration and gone viral on-line and on social media.
An newbie cricket participant has been caught showing to click on his fingers to make it seem {that a} batter has been caught behind when in truth they have not hit the ball in any respect
A press release from the North Yorkshire and South Durham League learn: ‘The League has acquired a proper grievance relating to alleged incidents in a Division Two sport on Saturday twenty fifth July 2026. A full investigation has been initiated and till such time because the formal processes are full, no additional remark might be made.’
Saltburn gained their match with Norton by a mammoth 159 runs.
Devine has been dubbed ‘Clicky Ponting’ – in a light-hearted reference to Australia legend Ricky Ponting. That is so far as the humorous facet goes although with the likes of Piers Morgan condemning the actions.
Taking to X, the avid cricket fan wrote: ‘Outrageous dishonest, and simply the tip of the iceberg from all that’s come out because it was uncovered.
‘Clicky Ponting (as he’s now identified) and varied teammates at Saltburn CC, have clearly been at this shameful rip-off for years. Think about doing this in native newbie cricket? Pathetic.’
Different clips on-line seem to indicate Devine clicking his fingers to cheat umpires and earn dismissals unfairly in different matches.
One such instance is a video displaying footage of a match between Saltburn and Middlesbrough second XI.
The actions of Saltburn have been described as ‘the worst case of dishonest’ seen in cricket on-line, with it seemingly that lengthy bans might be handed out. Unconfirmed stories on-line recommended that Devine has already been suspended for the remainder of the season by Saltburn. Day by day Mail Sport approached each Saltburn and Norton for remark however didn’t obtain a reply.
In 13 matches throughout 2026 with Devine because the slip catcher, Saltburn’s wicket-keeper has taken 39 catches. In seven matches with out Devine, the wicket-keeper has taken simply 5.
Along with the quite a few video clips seemingly displaying Devine clicking his fingers on-line, additional suspicion over Saltburn’s antics has been aroused by the scorecards of earlier matches.
On July 18, Saltburn’s second XI performed Shildon Railway CC with wicketkeeper Bowes taking a mammoth eight catches. Such a quantity is very uncommon. The file variety of dismissals for a wicketkeeper in a Take a look at match innings is seven. Bowes is averaging nearly 4 catches per match in eight video games this season. The investigation stays ongoing.
It’s the duty of the North Yorkshire and South Durham League to research any allegations of dishonest or complaints over the behaviour of groups in addition to imposing any sanctions. As such, it’s unlikely that at this stage the England & Wales Cricket Board – as English cricket’s governing physique – will become involved instantly.
