From fingernails to Alpenliebe; here's how ball tampering methods evolved

And the latest addition on the list of foreign object has been the ‘sand paper’ which was unsuccessfully used by Australian opener in the third Test against South Africa.

Shoe spikes have also been used on occasions to fiddle with the rough side of the ball. (Credit: Twitter)

Sharp objects like ‘blades’ and ‘zippers on trousers’ have been used by players to alter the ball conditions. (Credit: Twitter)

Along with the shiny side, rough side of the ball too has to deal with cruelty so that the bowlers can extract reverse swing when the ball gets partially old. Rubbing the ball continuously with ‘fingernails’ has been one the oldest methods to change the condition of the ball. (Credit: Twitter)

‘Vaseline’ and ‘Lip balms’ have been used by players to make the denser on the shiny side to extract reverse swing. (Credit: @moonshop90)

Various ‘Sun creams’ which the players apply on their faces too have been used to shine the ball. (Credit: @_CheriePhi_)

‘Alpenliebe’ famous candy in India has been used by the players to work on the shiny side of the ball. (Credit: @llPetit_Kll)

‘Jelly beans’ have been used to shine the ball. (Credit: @westcorkarts)

‘Murray Mints’ have often been used by bowlers in England on the shiny side of the ball. (Credit: @prnovis)

Along with sweat and saliva, different foreign objects have been used by players on both sides (shiny and rough) of the ball to alter the conditions.

But sand paper is not the only external material that has been used to fiddle with the condition of the ball.

Australian opener Cameron Bancroft was the latest offender who on Saturday was caught on camera rubbing sand paper on the ball to extract swing.

Since the time Pakistan bowlers introduced reverse swing to cricket, players have been found doing bizarre things on cricket field in desperation to extract reverse swing in unfavourable conditions.