Cricket: Peter Burge's Statement

'ON Saturday my attention was drawn to action taken by the England captain when handling the ball during the afternoon session.

At tea, I consulted the umpires, Dickie Bird and Steve Randell, and they assured me that the condition of the ball had not been altered in any way.

None the less, after viewing television replays, I again inspected the ball after play and discussed the matter further with the umpires. Although no report was lodged, I held an investigation with Michael Atherton and the England manager, Keith Fletcher, with the umpires present.

At the investigation, Atherton did not state that he had dirt in his pocket to dry his fingers.

On the basis of his remarks and that there was no evidence of the ball's condition being changed, no action could be taken by me.

Prior to last night's media conference, copies of statements by Atherton and chairman of selectors, Ray Illingworth, were given to me by the TCCB.

I have now carefully considered Atherton's statement. The action of having dirt in his pocket in order to dry his hands, was foolish in the extreme and cannot be condoned, particularly when done by a Test captain. Law 42.1 says that captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit of the game as well as within the Laws.

The fact that Atherton has misled an ICC referee by not giving a full and frank disclosure when given the opportunity to do so, concerns me more than anything else because of the effect on the image of cricket.

I have noted that the TCCB has imposed a fine of pounds 2,000 on Atherton. He has also apologised to me for withholding information and I have accepted that apology.

I consider that this fine and the resultant publicity and public scrutiny of the England captain is a sufficient penalty in the circumstances and I do not propose to take any further action.'