England will not face any action over reported ball-tampering as South Africa refused to make an official complaint, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Wednesday.
Third Test television footage of England seamers Stuart Broad and James Anderson manipulating the ball alerted the South Africans.
The pictures showed Broad stopping, then stepping on the ball with his spikes, while Anderson appeared to be doing the seam to alter its condition for it to reverse swing.
The hosts had raised their concerns on Tuesday night. They had until start of play on the fourth day to make a formal complaint and force match referee Roshan Mahanama to investigate.
Since the Proteas did not take the issue further, the ICC treated the “matter to be closed”.
“The International Cricket Council confirms that it has received no official lodgement from South Africa team management laying a charge against any England player following reports of alleged breaches of Law 42.3 (changing the condition of the ball) on day three of the third Test between the two teams in Cape Town”, ICC said in a statement.
“With play on day four of the match having resumed, the deadline for submission of such notification has now passed.
“In addition, having reviewed relevant television footage, the umpires decided not to bring a charge against any player for a breach of Law 42.3.”
