De Villiers gives England benefit of doubt in ball-tampering issue

AB de Villiers is prepared to give England the benefit of the doubt over accusations that the Champions Trophy hosts have been guilty of ball-tampering.

England coach Ashley Giles has issued a strong denial that England unfairly altered the condition of the ball, in search of reverse-swing — a claim made by former Test captain Bob Willis, in his guise as a broadcast pundit.

The International Cricket Council and England and Wales Cricket Board have also made it clear they are confident nothing untoward took place either, in last week’s match against Sri Lanka when the ball was changed - catching Willis’ attention — because it had gone out of shape.

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