Defending Inzamam

Historically Pakistan have had a somewhat 'colourful' history in regards to ball tampering.

However I personally don't see how on earth they can be done for tampering with a ball that is 55 overs old. Especially given that Pietersen was twatting it all around the park.

The ball was starting to reverse swing but then that would be expected after 55 overs. So in essence, there was no evidence of the ball behaving in an unnatural manner. However there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Darrell Hair might be biased against Pakistan. The tourists had objected to the ICC about his inclusion before the series had even started so their protest is hardly a counter-allegation.

In short, Pakistan kicked our arse on the first day and then hit out what could have been an innings victory score. However we managed to get stuck in and score the runs. They gained no advantage from what was believed to be a tampered ball and have understandably been offended by being branded as cheats.

It doesn't help to heal past wounds from similar incidents in test series' betweeen England and Pakistan in the past. This series had been played in good spirits (as had the earthquake hit series in Pakistan last Autumn)

This reminds me of other incidents in professional sport where serious questions have been raised about the official controlling the match but the focus from the ruling body has been on those who were penalised. It makes me think of all those shit referees England have had over the years, most recently an Argentine who'd been quoted as saying that he "Hated" England.