Strauss: We've never been approached by bookies
Strauss is "surprised" by the betting scandal.
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By Alistair Potter. |  |
Wednesday, 19, Aug 2009 09:00
England captain Andrew Strauss has admitted that he was shocked to learn that an Australian player had been approached by a suspected illegal bookmaker.
The Australian team management filed a report to the ICC's anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU) after the unidentified player immediately raised the alarm to senior officials.
"It does surprise me to a certain extent with all the work the ACSU does as they seem to have been on top of things, although the player concerned acted in exactly the right manner," said Strauss.
"I've never heard of any England player approached."
It is believed that the player was approached in the team hotel following Australia's defeat in the second Ashes Test at Lord's.
An ICC spokesman praised the player for reporting the situation, claiming that it shows that their education programmes are working.
"The anti-corruption and security unit of the ICC has developed and implemented a fairly comprehensive education programme for all international players and every single international player has undergone that education and is aware of his responsibilities to report any suspicious activity that he feels he may have been subject to," he said.
"It seems in this case that education has hit home and we have received a report that the ACSU will now investigate."
Cricket has a history of betting scandals, with some high-profile cases involving former international captains Hansie Cronje, Salim Malik and Mohammed Azharuddin.
The increasing popularity of Twenty20 cricket has led to fears those dark days of match-fixing could return.
"Approaches to players do happen and it would be naïve to assume otherwise; if they did not then there would be no need for the continuing existence of the ACSU," said the ICC in a statement.
"Incidents such as the one reported in the media illustrate the need for constant and ongoing vigilance on the part of players, officials and administrators and there is no scope for complacency. However, thanks to the ACSU, cricket is regarded by other sports as a world leader in the area of anti-corruption and the ICC wants it to stay that way," it continued.
ICC general manager David Richardson believes that the governing body is well equipped enough to deal with any further issues: " Cricket is more popular than ever before and with that popularity comes the opportunities for growth but also challenges such as the one highlighted by the approach to an Australian player.
"The ICC, its members and the ACSU will continue to deal effectively with these challenges to ensure the game remains a great sport with a great spirit."
The fifth Test starts at the Oval tomorrow with the series tied at 1-1.
Will Haine