India, July 29 -- The finger movement lasts barely a second. As the ball passes the outside edge, the fielder at first slip appears to click his fingers, manufacturing the sound the umpire is waiting to hear. The wicketkeeper gathers, the appeal rises, and the batter is given out even though the replay appears to show a visible gap between bat and ball.

That alleged deception during Saltburn 2nd XI's match against Norton 2nd XI has triggered an investigation by the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League. It has also produced a nickname more damaging than "Clickgate": "Clicky Ponting".

On the surface, the construction is simple. "Clicky" rhymes with Ricky and describes the alleged trick. Yet English cricket could have attached t...