ICC: no evidence of match fixing in third Ashes Test match

The International Cricket Council (ICC) says there is “no evidence” the third Ashes Test match has been corrupted by match fixing.

An investigation by The Sun revealed that two Indian bookmakers offered to sell undercover journalists information of “rigged periods of play” during the Perth Test between Australia and England which started this morning.

The bogus bookmakers had asked for “up to £140,000” to “spot fix” elements of the third Ashes Test, including the number of runs scored in an over. The duo told The Sun that corrupt players would give signals from the pitch and spotters in the crowd would tell bookies to “quickly bet millions into the underground Indian market”.

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Sobers Joban was filmed by The Sun saying: “I will give you work in Ashes Test. Session runs. Maybe day one, two, three. We have two-session work, one session costs 60 lakh rupees [about £69,000], two sessions 120 lakh rupees [£138,000].”

After being handed the dossier by The Sun, the ICC said its Anti-Corruption Unit would investigate the findings.

Alex Marshall, the ICC’s general manager of anti-corruption, said: “We have now received all materials relating to The Sun investigation. We take the allegations extremely seriously and they will be investigated by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit working with anti-corruption colleagues from member countries.

“From my initial assessment of the material, there is no evidence, either from The Sun or via our own intelligence, to suggest the current Test Match has been corrupted. At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication that any players in this Test have been in contact with the alleged fixers.

“The allegations are wide ranging and relate to various forms of cricket in several countries, including T20 tournaments. We will look closely at all the information as part of our investigation.”

Speaking to The Sun, cricket corruption expert Ed Hawkins said: “This is potentially disastrous for the game. The Ashes is one of the pillars of cricket.”

Before the start of play in Perth, England captain Joe Root said he was informed of The Sun’s investigation. He told BBC Test Match Special: “It’s very sad that this has been written about. We’ve got to focus on this Test match and do everything we can to win it.”

Australia skipper Steve Smith added: “As far as I know, there’s nothing that’s been going on or anything like that. There’s no place for that in our game.”