Phil Salt Cleared: Bat Size Probe Finds No Breach of Regulations

Phil Salt, the Lancashire and England cricketer, has been officially cleared of violating the ECB's Anti-Corruption Code following an investigation into the size of his bat. The probe was initiated after Salt's bat failed an on-field gauge test during a recent Vitality Blast match.

Salt's bat did not pass through the gauge on the field initially © Getty

Salt had consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that the bat in question, which he has used for the past two years across various teams including England, Lancashire, and in the IPL, had never previously raised any concerns.

The Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) confirmed the verdict, stating that the Cricket Regulator's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) officially cleared Salt of any wrongdoing on Tuesday.

The incident occurred during Lancashire Lightning's run chase when an umpire conducted a routine on-field gauge test. The test requires the bat to fit through a gauge of a specified size to ensure compliance with regulations.

Salt's bat initially failed the test, leading to its removal for further inspection. Subsequent tests conducted after the match yielded inconclusive results, with the bat fitting through the gauge on some occasions but not others.

Despite the inconsistent results, officials deemed it necessary to send the bat for further testing.

LCCC expressed their disappointment with the handling of the situation, stating: "At Lancashire, we believe this whole process could have been avoided with improved processes on and off the field, whether that be through better equipment and or additional training. Following the incident there have been inappropriate comments made by match commentators, inaccurate articles written in the media and some unsavoury social media posts towards the player that could have been avoided."

Following a thorough investigation by the Cricket Regulator, the bat was ultimately found to be compliant with the regulations. The Club and Salt have been informed that no further action will be taken.