<P> In addition, picking at the threads of the main seam or' lifting' the quarter seam to aid conventional and reverse swing respectively are considered illegal . Modifying the quarter seam can be particularly difficult to detect or prove . </P> <P> However, there have been a number of high - profile instances of alleged ball tampering, particularly in international cricket due to the increase in television coverage . </P> <P> In the "dirt in pocket" affair, then England captain Michael Atherton was accused of ball tampering during a Test match with South Africa at Lord's in 1994, after television cameras caught Atherton reaching into his pocket and then rubbing a substance on the ball . Atherton denied ball tampering, claiming that he had dirt in his pocket which he used to dry his hands . He was also accused of lying to the match referee . Atherton was summoned to the match referee and was fined £ 2,000 (£ 3,700 today) for failing to disclose the dirt to the match referee . </P> <P> Waqar Younis of Pakistan became the first player to receive a suspension for ball tampering after a match in July 2000, and was fined 50% of his match fee . </P>

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