“Nicholls has been reported for allegedly breaching Rule 3.1, Article 1.15 of the Code during Day 3 of the Plunket Shield match between Canterbury and Auckland at Hagley Oval,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement on Friday.

The rule “involves changing the state of the ball in violation of Law 41.3 of the Laws of Cricket.”

New Zealand Cricket said the allegation had been referred to a first-class cricket commissioner. A hearing date has not yet been set. Nicholls will tour Bangladesh with the New Zealand Test team later this month.

Nicholls has not commented on the charge.

In the match between Canterbury and Auckland, Nicholls played a leading role in leading his team to an eight-wicket victory. After Auckland were bowled out for 217 in their first innings, Canterbury declared their first innings at 413 for 9, with Nicholls top-scoring with 120. He added another unbeaten 30 when Canterbury, set a victory target of 61, got there for the defeat. with two windows.