Amateur cricket video goes viral after claims slip fielder clicked to imitate bat on ball

In short:

An amateur cricketer in England was filmed apparently clicking his fingers to imitate the ball hitting the bat.

The video shows the fielders appealing for a wicket, with the batter given out, despite claims the ball was nowhere near the bat.

What's next?

The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League said an investigation into an unspecified game had been launched.

An amateur cricket match in England has become a viral sensation after allegations of cheating were shared on social media.

A video, which claims to show a fielder clicking his fingers to imitate the sound of a bat connecting with the ball before a player is called out, has been viewed millions of times on X.

The poster of the video described it as "about the worst case of cheating I've ever seen in cricket".

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"First slip clicks his fingers to imitate an edge, bat nowhere near it and given out," the post read.

The video of a match involving North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League team Saltburn has been greeted with outrage online and generated headlines around the world.

TV presenter Piers Morgan weighed in, describing the player involved as the "biggest cheat in cricket history" and wondered how many batter's days "has he ruined?"

The league said in a statement on X that it had received a formal complaint regarding a game on Saturday, but did not reveal which teams were involved. However, it is understood the investigation is focused on the clicking.

"A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made," it said.

There was no immediate response when The Associated Press contacted the league and Saltburn for comment.

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