ECB demands `apology and explanation` for `Hot Spot cheating` report

Wellington: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has reportedly demanded an apology for a report claiming that players in the Ashes series have been attempting to `cheat the Hot Spot technology by covering their bats with silicon tape.

According to Stuff.co.nz, the report, which has linked star England batsman Kevin Pietersen to the allegations, suggested that players were using silicone-based tape on the edges of their bats to avoid detection by the decision review system`s infra-red camera. The report further said that ECB has demanded an explanation and an apology from the report, which has come from an Australian channel. Slamming the accusations, England fast bowler and Durham local Graham Onions , who is hoping to force his way into the side for the fourth Test at Chester-le-Street, said that the accusation is not right and is `crazy` as none of England`s players would use anything on their bats to potentially cover up any nicks. However, Onions also said that players use tape to heal cracks on their bats or try to keep their favourite bat for as long as possible if they have one, adding that he felt sorry for Pietersen that his name has been dragged into the allegations. According to the report, Pietersen, who was controversially given out caught behind in the second innings at Old Trafford, despite a nick not showing up on Hot Spot when he reviewed, was indirectly accused of cheating by the Australian report. The report however added that the laws of cricket state that tape and other non-solid materials can be used to protect, strengthen and repair the bat, including the edges, which could include using liquids and tapes. ANI