PROBE COSTS COACH U19 WORLD CUP JOB

STEVE RHODES has been relieved of his England coaching duties at the upcoming Under 19 World Cup after Worcestershire opened an investigation into his conduct as their director of cricket. The internal probe relates to a failure to report the arrest of all-rounder Alex Hepburn following accusations of rape in April. Hepburn, a 21-year-old raised in Australia, has been suspended on full pay pending further investigation after West Mercia Police charged him on November 9 with two counts of rape. He will appear at Worcester Magistrates Court on December 7. Rhodes, 53, who led Worcestershire to the County Championship Division Two title last summer, has effectively been placed on leave by club and country. Gloucestershire coach Richard Dawson will fly out with the U19 squad to New Zealand for the World Cup on January 2.