Ball tampering—the phrase alone can send shivers down the spines of cricket lovers, conjuring memories of past scandals that have rocked the sport. Yet once again, controversy swirled on Day 4 of the fourth Test between England and Indiaas eagle-eyed fans and experts alike spotted England’s Brydon Cars allegedly tampering with the ball. The aftermath was swift and fierce: social media erupted, with cricket fans from all corners condemning the incident as a violation of the game’s sacred spirit.

Brydon Carse’s misstep scratching the ball caught on camera on Day 4

What exactly happened on the field to spark such outrage? It all started when India’s captain, Shubman Gillcracked two boundaries off Carse in the 12th over. With movement from the new Dukes ball dying down and the spinners warming up, Carse’s actions immediately drew suspicion. Instead of fielding the ball in a normal fashion after his follow-through, Carse conspicuously pressed the ball down with his spikes—an unusual move not justified by the play at hand.

Australia cricket legend Ricky Pontingcommentating live, was quick to pick up on Carse’s behavior. “A couple of big spikes into the shiny side of the ball,” Ponting remarked, his tone underscoring the significance of what he’d just witnessed. Unlike the heat-of-the-moment, boundary-stopping efforts often seen from bowlers, Carse’s measured push appeared intended to scuff one side—a classic method to induce reverse swing by roughening up one side of the ball.

Here’s the video:

England’s spirit of cricket image takes a hit

Perhaps what stings most for cricket purists is the irony at play. England—often self-styled as the guardians of the spirit of cricket—were suddenly thrust into the same unflattering spotlight as Australia’s infamous “Sandpapergate” culprits. Just as Steve Smith, David Warnerand Cameron Bancroft bore the brunt of worldwide scorn and lengthy bans for their involvement in that incident, fans have not hesitated to point fingers at England, calling for transparency and accountability.

Social media quickly filled with fans venting their frustration, pointing out how “the biggest moralists of the sport” had been caught red-handed. Some referenced past controversies, noting how lightly incidents such as failed drug tests had been treated in comparison to ball tampering—a perceived cardinal sin in cricket’s moral code.