An Australian TV channel today repeated claims that cricketers are using silicone tape on bats to cheat "Hot Spot" readings, saying the inventor has raised concerns with the sports' s authorities.
Channel Nine unleashed a storm of controversy when it alleged yesterday that players in the current Ashes series were using the tape on their bats to avoid nicks being detected by the thermal imaging system.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said the claims were incorrect and it was not investigating any alleged attempts by players to "cheat" Hot Spot.
But Channel Nine renewed its allegations on its evening news bulletin today, saying Warren Brennan -- inventor of Hot Spot -- had raised his "serious concerns" with the ICC about flaws with the system.
"He fears that (silicone) tape used on bats can fool the technology. In short, an edge simply won't show up," it told viewers.
Channel Nine said Brennan had met ICC general manager of cricket, Geoff Allardice, earlier this week to express his concerns.
"As such, extensive testing was carried out," the network alleged.
"What that testing showed was that once a second layer of tape is applied to the bat (then) contact with the ball is undetectable."
Channel Nine said it understood that Brennan had been advised by the ICC to "stay quiet about his concerns".
The network said that as of late Thursday Brennan was refusing all interviews.
Yesterday Nine said there was particular concern regarding England batsman Kevin Pietersen's dismissal in the second innings of the third Test at Old Trafford, when a noise was heard indicating a nick but no Hot Spot was detected on the bat.
