Chittagong: Footage has emerged of Test cricket's top-ranked all-rounder appearing to rub the new ball into the dirt late on day three of the second Test.
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Video captured by the host broadcaster shows Bangladeshi star Shakib Al Hasan rubbing the ball along the ground as he dirties his hands in preparation to bowl.
This snippet featured in the closer for today's play. Caught my eye. Rubbing the ball on the ground ... doesn't seem right #BANvAUS #cricket pic.twitter.com/a2MMo7PCuv??? Paul Cochrane (@paulcochrane) September 6, 2017
Players routinely dirty their hands before bowling, but ICC rules strictly prohibit players from changing state or characteristics of the ball.
The game's governing body is yet to make any public remarks on the incident.
It comes as another Bangladeshi player - Nasir Hossain - raised eyebrows with a cheeky send-off to Australia's Pat Cummins during day three, although it's believed the ICC will give Nasir the green light over his raised finger while standing next to umpire Nigel Llong.
The Test was delicately poised heading into day four, with Australia 9-377 in response to Bangladesh's 305. The tourists need to win the match to level the series.
