Henry Nicholls was reported by umpires for ball-tampering in a domestic first-class match, and he has been charged with violating New Zealand Cricket’s code of conduct.
During a change of ends in this week’s Plunket Shield match between Nicholls’ Canterbury and Auckland, Nicholls seemed to brush the ball against a helmet on television.
In a statement released on Friday, New Zealand Cricket stated, “Nicholls has been reported for allegedly breaching Rule 3.1, article 1.15 of the Code during Day 3 of the Plunket Shield match between Canterbury and Auckland at Hagley Oval.”
The provision “involves changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 41.3 of the Laws of Cricket” .
According to New Zealand Cricket, a first-class cricket commissioner has been tasked with reviewing the accusation. The hearing has not yet been scheduled. Later this month, Nicholls and the New Zealand Test team are scheduled to travel Bangladesh.
Nicholls has not commented on the charge.
In Canterbury vs. Auckland, Nicholls was a major factor in propelling his team to an eight-wicket victory. Following their first innings defeat by bowling out Auckland for 217, Canterbury declared their first innings at 413 for 9, with Nicholls top-scoring with 120. After Canterbury reached the mark of 61 for the loss of two wickets, he scored another thirty without losing a wicket.
It was the first Plunket Shield victory for Canterbury. Right now, they are ranked fourth out of six teams.
Leading limited-overs players from New Zealand are playing in the ODI World Cup in India; after a win against Sri Lanka on Thursday, the 2019 runners-up advanced to the semi-finals.
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