James Anderson has insisted that allegations of
ball-tampering levelled against England by former captain Bob Willis are
"very disappointing" and definitely untrue.
England limited over’s coach Ashley Giles refuted
the claims made by Willis, now a television pundit, who alleged the side were
obtaining reverse swing by methods banned under cricket's laws.
Anderson, who recently joined former fast bowler
Willis as one of only four England cricketers to have taken 300 Test wickets,
added: "It's very disappointing and frustrating that anyone, but
especially a former England captain, should say these things, especially when
we're preparing for a massive game.
"The fact is people can think what they like.
We know the truth, I can state categorically that no one in the England team
has ever tampered with a ball and we won't allow comments made by someone like
Bob Willis to worry us."
And he insisted England were doing nothing against
the rules. "Reverse swing has been an issue in cricket for a while,"
he said. "But just because one bowler or one team reverse a ball better
than another on a given day doesn't mean to say he or they have been tampering.
"It just means they're more skilful. I
can assure you that if any of the England bowlers achieve it then it is within
the letter of the laws."
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