Fans say ‘middle stump, definitely hitting’ as young pair left red-faced

A CHEEKY couple were horrified to see their “ball tampering Down Under” exposed on the huge screen as Australia took on Pakistan.

The young man and woman feared they’d get a rollicking for their festive frolicking as they went viral for a lewd act seen by thousands of fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and on TV at home around the world.

The woman reacted with open-mouthed shock when cameras focused on her and a male friend – sparking cheers from parts of the crowd.

She sat up quickly while the man put a big white top over his head as he too covered his face.

Cricket lovers soon found the right line on social media with comments like: “Ball tampering. Where else but in Australia.”

And many viewers turned into eagle-eyed umpires with verdicts such as: “That’s out. Handling the ball”… and “Middle stump, definitely hitting”.

Equally strong assessments included: “Fumbled at first slip” and “Caught behind”. 

And there was praise for the unsung hero of the clip.

“Cameraman – Gotcha,” said one fan.

Another viewer revealed: “I was there today.. and this was very very funny.”

Some fans also noted the “Proud helpers of Australian Cricket” message at the top of the screen at the same time the couple were featured – which might or might not be some consolation to them.

The bigger picture, meanwhile is that Pakistan are on an even stickier wicket than the youthful duo.

Australia easily won the First Test and after three days of the second contest at Melbourne are 241 runs ahead, with four second-innings wickets remaining.

As for the couple, they might need advice to avoid viewing problems when they next watch cricket that’s live on TV: Do not just adjust your box.