Why do you think the condition was implemented that the ball must be given to the umpires at the fall of a wicket? Because that is when teams would gather around and hide and tamper with the ball. And so that the umpires could regularly inspect the condition of the ball.

Because everyone was doing it. Using bottle tops, broken glass, all kinds of implements to scratch up one side. Picking the seam has been around since overarm bowling started.

Hair cream to shine the ball. I remember a certain jherri curled WI pacer in the late 80s-90s. Remember when everyone started coming on the field with massive amounts of sunscreen all over their faces? Think that was all about protection against UV rays?

When we learned that wetting one side of the ball could get it heavier and help with swing, teams started soaking their pants at the water break so they could wet the ball. New rule: if you apply moisture to the ball you have to shine it.

Players then started to throw the ball in on the bounce to the keepers to rough up the ball. New condition: umpires empowered to cut that out if they think it's being done deliberately.

We've had cases with former international captains applying dirt to the ball. The use of mints and sweets. And on and on and on.

Ball tampering is not the exception, it is the norm.