Ashes spot-fixing investigation

The International Cricket Council is investigating claims of spotfixing in the Ashes after an English newspaper sting uncovered attempts from Indian bookmakers to fix the third test in Perth.

After conducting a four-month investigation, The Sun reported that two bookmakers offered to sell them details of rigged periods of play which could be bet on to win millions of dollars.

The bookies were reported to have asked for up to £140,000 ($267,000) to spot-fix markets such as the exact amount of runs scored in an over.

One bookie, referred to as ‘Mr Big’, said he would specify the amount of runs to be scored in a certain over before the match, with bets to be placed during that over. He said players would signal the fix was on by making subtle gestures on the field, such as changing their gloves.

Spotters in the crowd would then tell bookies who quickly bet millions in the underground Indian market.

They claimed to be working with a fixer in Australian cricket known as ‘The Silent Man’, who allegedly works with former and current internationals, including a ‘‘World Cup-winning all-rounder’’.

The Sun said the pair listed players who worked as their ‘‘puppets’’, although no players were named in the report.

It also said no current England players were named as involved.

The Sun has posted footage in which the two men also discuss how they claim to distort elements of Twenty20 cricket games in Australia and India.

The ICC said the revelations were of ‘‘grave concern’’.

Experts believe the Perth test is a target for Indian fixers as the time difference to Delhi is only two-and-a-half hours, making highspeed telephone betting trades easier.

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