No complaint over ball-tampering claims

South Africa decided against making an official complaint to match referee Roshan Mahanama over their suspicions of ball-tampering by England in the third Test at Newlands.

The hosts had raised their concerns over "allegations about the ball".

Television footage of England seamers Stuart Broad and James Anderson's treatment of the ball alerted the home side to the possibility that they were trying to alter its condition to accelerate reverse-swing.

South Africa had until start of play on Wednesday to make a complaint and therefore effectively force Mahanama to investigate the issue further on behalf of the International Cricket Council.

South Africa therefore appear to have pulled back from the brink of kick-starting a major controversy which, on such an emotive issue, had the potential to rock world cricket.

England responded by "refuting any suggestions of ball-tampering or malpractice".

They will nonetheless inevitably be under the microscope for the remainder of this Test at least, with the ICC still at liberty to scrutinise a raft of TV evidence South Africa have already highlighted.

It centres on Broad stopping a straight-drive with the sole of his boot - studs and all - yesterday morning, and Anderson apparently running his thumb and fingers over the ball on other occasions.

There is also obvious potential for a deterioration of relations between two teams locked in a heavyweight tussle over a four-match series.

England currently lead 1-0 but are in danger of losing that advantage over the next two days - with a potential deciding match still to play - after South Africa piled up 312 for two yesterday, for an overall lead of 330. A statement is expected to be released by the ICC on Wednesday.