A club cricket match between Saltburn Cricket Club 2nd XI and Norton Cricket Club 2nd XI in the South Durham League (NYSD) has sparked controversy after footage appeared to show a Saltburn fielder clicking his fingers to simulate the sound of a ball hitting the bat, potentially deceiving the umpire into giving a batsman out.
The video, which went viral on social media, shows the fielder making a clicking noise as the batter swings. The wicketkeeper then takes the ball and appeals, with the batsman appearing confused. Saltburn, league leaders, won the match by 159 runs on July 25 at their home ground in North Yorkshire, scoring 302 against Norton's 143.
Investigation launched
The NYSD confirmed receipt of a formal complaint regarding the game. In a statement, the league said: “The League have received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday. A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made.”
Additional clips have since emerged allegedly showing similar incidents in other matches.
Reactions and previous allegations
Rory Cotterill, who captained Middlesbrough CC’s 2nd XI in a defeat to Saltburn earlier this year, said a similar situation occurred during that match. Social media users called the footage “scandalous”.
Ben Mummery, who first brought the video to light, branded it “click gate” and said: “Click gate has gone viral and I’m genuinely really happy it’s being exposed.” He added that it was “about the worst case of cheating I’ve ever seen in cricket” and wrote: “Harshest possible punishment please. It’s not cricket.”
Saltburn Cricket Club has been approached for comment.
