Surrey raise stakes in ball-tampering probe

Surrey could sack the player or players found guilty of balltampering in the episode that has shamed the county.

The club have pledged to take decisive action to find the culprit and intend to hand out their own punishment independent of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

It could be a fine, suspension or even dismissal for anyone found to be responsible.

Surrey were caught lifting the seam of the ball twice on Friday and were penalised five runs by the umpires.

Former England coach Micky Stewart has been put in charge of the internal inquiry and his report will be passed to the ECB before the details are made public.

Stewart, 72, chairman of Surrey's cricket committee, heard about the ball-tampering incident on Sunday only minutes after returning from holiday in France.

He said: "It will be treated with the utmost urgency [as] it is a serious situation. What has happened is not good for the name of Surrey and will be treated accordingly. I cannot go into detail but it will be significant action."

He described ball-tampering as "sheer stupidity" and began questioning the players after yesterday's humiliating County Championship innings defeat to Nottinghamshire.