Cape Town - Former captain Michael Vaughan says that allegations that England were ball tampering on Friday are "ridiculous".

READ: Rain washes out Day 4 at MCG

During a rain-affected Day 4 of the fourth Test in Melbourne, footage emerged that appeared to show England fast bowler James Anderson pressing his nail into the ball. 

Australia's Channel 9 commentators got stuck in, with both Shane Warne and Michael Slater suggesting that what Anderson was doing was illegal. 

Former England spinner Graeme Swann, meanwhile, suggested that Anderson was merely pushing down a loose bit of leather in full view of the umpires. 

It was confirmed after the day's play that no official report had been lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and that no further action would be taken. 

Vaughan, who played in 82 Tests for England between 1999 and 2008, took to Twitter to slam the allegations. 

England have lost possession of the Ashes urn, already 3-0 down in the five-Test series, and will need to take eight wickets on Day 5 to stand a chance of making it 3-1. 

Ball tampering incident is ridiculous ... Clearly a slow news day in #Melbourne ... #OnOn

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 29, 2017