New Zealand's Henry Nicholls accused of ball tampering, ball rubbed on helmet between overs

New Zealand cricketer Henry Nicholls has been charged with breaching New Zealand Cricket's code of conduct after being reported by umpires for ball tampering in a domestic first-class match on Friday. Nicholls was seen rubbing the ball on his helmet during the change of ends TV footage of the Plunket Shield match between Canterbury and Auckland this week showed Nicholls rubbing the ball on his helmet during the change of ends.

"Nicholls has been reported for an alleged breach of Rule 3.1, Article 1.15 of the Code of Conduct during the third day of the Plunket Shield match between Canterbury and Auckland at Hagley Oval," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement. A breach of Rule 41.3 of the Rules involves altering the position of the ball.'

Nicholls, who is due to tour Bangladesh with the New Zealand Test team later this month, was referred to the Commissioner of Cricket for first-class cricket. However, no date has been set for the hearing, nor has Nichols commented on the allegations.

In the match between Canterbury and Auckland, Nicholls played a key role in an eight-wicket win. After Auckland were all out for 217 in the first innings, Canterbury declared their first innings at 413 for 9, with Nicholls making 120. He added another unbeaten 30 as Canterbury reached the victory target of 61 runs with the loss of two wickets. This was Canterbury's first win of the Plunket Shield season. They are currently placed fourth in the table of six teams.