Ball tampering remains one of the gravest offenses in the sport of cricket, evoking strong reactions from fans, officials, and former players alike. The infamous 2018 “Sandpaper Gate” scandal involving Australian players Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft is still fresh in the minds of many, casting a long shadow over their careers.
Even years later, Smith continues to face jeers and reminders of that incident from crowds across the globe. Now, a fresh controversy threatens to stir similar outrage—this time involving an English pacer.
Brydon Carse, a promising fast bowler for England, has landed himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. During the Manchester Test against India, Carse was caught on camera allegedly engaging in suspicious behavior that some believe could amount to ball tampering.
The footage quickly circulated online, igniting debate and drawing attention from both fans and experts. This has placed Carse in an uncomfortable position as questions begin to mount over his intent.
The moment in question took place during the 12th over of India’s innings, not long after Indian captain Shubman Gill had dispatched Carse for two elegant boundaries. As the pressure mounted, Carse’s follow-through raised eyebrows—he appeared to deliberately press the ball into the ground with his boot.
This subtle but questionable act did not go unnoticed by onlookers and commentators, who were quick to point out that such behavior could be interpreted as an attempt to alter the ball’s condition.
Typically, when bowlers come into contact with the ball during their follow-through, it’s incidental—they either stop it or flick it back to the fielder. But Carse’s motion appeared more deliberate than casual. He seemed to apply downward pressure with his foot instead of simply collecting or redirecting the ball. Considering the importance of maintaining the ball’s integrity in a format where swing plays a crucial role, such actions—intentional or not—are bound to be scrutinized.
Isn't that ball tampering #ICC ? #IndVsEng #shame
— Kanhaiya Lal Saran (@SaranKL_) July 27, 2025
What's Brydon Carse is doing with the ball, you can hear Ricky Ponting talking about it here 👇🏻pic.twitter.com/ssnYCrAqqi
Although there has been no official statement from the match officials or the England team so far, the incident has already triggered comparisons to past controversies. As social media erupts with varied opinions, the ball is now in the hands of the governing authorities to investigate further. If proven guilty, Carse could face disciplinary action, which would not only dent his growing reputation but also mar England’s campaign in the ongoing series.