‘SILENT MAN’ LINKED TO STARS

that the game has ever suffered. The ICC’s anti-corruption unit (ACU), now headed by ex-Hampshire policeman Alex Marshall, is investigating as many as seven incidents of potential wrongdoing in the world game, though the Ashes is not thought to be among them. Two international captains — Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed and Zimbabwe’s Graeme Cremer — have both reported recent illegal approaches by bookies, while a third captain, whose identity has not been disclosed, is also of interest to the ACU. According to The Sun, The Silent Man works with ‘former and current internationals, including a World Cup-winning all-rounder’. The ICC were quoted last night as saying that the revelations were of ‘grave concern’. They added: ‘We take all allegations of corruption seriously and welcome The Sun’s offer to share this information. ‘These are serious allegations. Our anti-corruption unit will continue working to uphold integrity in cricket focusing on education, prevention and disruption of any attempts to corrupt, including in relation to the third Test in Australia.’ Cricket Australia said: ‘The allegations raised by media outlets are of serious concern. Cricket Australia takes a zerotolerance approach against anybody trying to bring the game into disrepute, and will cooperate with any ICC investigation.’ The report stopped short of saying a fix had been arranged for the Perth Test, which started in the early hours of this morning, but the ICC will now face pressure to assure cricket fans that the Ashes are well and truly above board.