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SA lodges complaint with ref

Cape Town - Proteas media spokesperson Michael Owen-Smith revealed on Tuesday that South Africa had expressed concern to match referee Rashan Mahanama about possible attempts by England to alter the state of the ball on the third day of the third Castle Lager Test at Newlands.

"He will decide whether any further investigation or action is necessary," said Owen-Smith.

"Meanwhile, in terms of ICC regulations, we can't comment any further."

Fast bowler Stuart Broad was shown on television treading on the ball during South Africa's second innings, giving rise to speculation that he was trying to induce reverse swing earlier than normal.

Speaking at the press conference at the end of the day's play, England coach Andy Flower declined to comment, saying he was unaware of the allegations.

"The referee and the umpires haven't said anything, so I can't comment. This is the first I have heard of it."

When told Broad had been shown on television treading on the ball, Flower said over the years, many tall fast bowlers had stopped the ball with their boot.

"I don't see anything sinister in it at all," he said.

"Both sides know how to get the ball to reverse swing and then use it. We did it at Centurion and very successfully in Durban. It's a well documented skill," he said.

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