''Tampered'' Oval Test ball may go under forensic test: ICC

New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) Adding another dimension to the alleged ball-tampering controversy, ICC today announced that the cherry, allegedly tampered in the dramatic Oval Test between Pakistan and England, is likely to undergo a forensic test.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed today assured that Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq can look forward to a free and fair hearing and to ensure that, ICC might opt for a forensic test of the ball.

''Forensic test is being suggested to us and the laws of cricket are also clear on what constitutes changing the condition of the ball. The law says umpires are the sole judge of fair and unfair play,'' he said.

The Oval Test between Pakistan and England saw the visitors forfeiting the Test by initially refusing to take the field in response to being penalised for ball-tampering.

Subsequently, Inzamam was charged with bringing the game into disrepute and he also faces an allegation of changing the condition of the ball.

''We want the hearing to be free and fair. We are not sitting on the side of the umpires or on the players' side. We want to sit in between them and accept whatever decision is made by the adjudicator,'' Mr Speed said.

Mr Speed also denied that ICC dragged its heel over the hearing.

''There was no delay on our part. I would have preferred it to be over at the Match Referee's room right after the incident. But Ranjan Madugalle had some serious family issue and we could not proceed,'' he reasoned.

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