FORMER Australian cricketers have blasted Victoria bowling coach Mick Lewis for his actions on day three of the Sheffield Shield final between the Bushrangers and South Australia in Glenelg.

An extra five runs were added to South Australia’s score when ex-Australian quick Lewis appeared to scrape the ball against a concrete gutter when the home side’s opener Mark Cosgrove dispatched the ball to the fence in the Redbacks’ second innings.

The ball was changed one over later in the 12th when the umpires decided its condition had been artificially changed. If Lewis was guilty of such an offence, it is likely he was trying to scuff up one side of the ball to help his bowlers generate reverse swing earlier than normal in the innings.

Two of South Australia’s favourite sons in Jason Gillespie and Greg Blewett — both of whom had distinguished careers with the national side — were highly critical of Lewis.

South Australian High Performance Co-ordinator Simon Cain was even more scathing of the incident, with Ryan Harris re-tweeting him and former skipper Michael Clarke also confused by the situation.

Injured paceman Mitchell Starc and NSW opener Ed Cowan also weighed in on the matter.

Match official Steve Bernard issued a statement on the matter. “The umpires had determined that the condition of the ball had been deliberately altered,” he said. “Under the laws of cricket they imposed the five run penalty against the Victorian side and replaced the ball.”

Victoria is in a strong position to claim the Shield title after reducing South Australia to 4-137 at stumps on day three — giving the home side a lead of 78.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Jon Holland was the chief destroyer in the second dig, taking three scalps with captain Matthew Wade responsible for the other wicket to fall, running out first drop Sam Raphael.

MATCH REPORT: Bizarre scenes as Vics close on victory