South African captain Hansie Cronje is facing allegations of ball tampering after reports that he was caught on television cameras roughing up a ball.

Reports said the Australian Cricket Board would discuss the footage, shot during a recent limited overs international against Australia in Sydney.

However, an ACB spokesman said that ball tampering claims were outside the Board's jurisdiction.

"It is solely a matter for the International Cricket Council's match referee," said the spokesman.

The referee during the Sydney Cricket Ground match on December 4th was West Indian Cammie Smith.

Accusations of ball tampering must be brought to the referee's attention during the course of the match for action to be taken.

The most notorious ball tampering case involved England captain Mike Atherton, who was caught on camera rubbing dirt from his pocket onto a ball in a Test against South Africa in 1994.

He was fined £1,000 for the dirt and the same for not telling the whole truth initially.

Reports said Cronje was caught rolling the ball along the ground with the spikes of his cricket boots.

The South African captain denied he had tampered with the ball, declaring: "I can't recall any incident of my alleged damaging or standing on the ball.

"According to reports I have received regarding this alleged incident, it took place while the crowd was being brought into order after having thrown objects at my players.

"I can assure all that at that particular time my main concern and thought was how was I going to handle the situation regarding whether to take the side off the field or not. The players wanted action and my mind was racing."