‘I won’t believe corruption allegations until I see some concrete evidence’
● England pace bowler dismisses Al Jazeera claims as ‘boy crying wolf’
Pace bowler Mark Wood has said allegations of corruption against unnamed England players are “like the boy who cried wolf ”.
The Al Jazeera network released its second documentary about match-fixing on Sunday and, as in the previous programme first shown in May, there were claims made against England players.
The report alleged to have uncovered evidence of 26 planned spot-fixes in 15 international matches – including seven involving England players.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has been critical of the information that has been shared with it and says internal analysis has given no cause to doubt the integrity of any of its players, past or present.
Wood has not watched the show but believes the lack of detail is troubling.
“It’s a bit like the boy who cried wolf, and until they say something [definitive] I’m not going to believe what they say,” he said.
“[Not] until Al Jazeera bring out anything concrete, where they name someone or show a piece of evidence. They keep saying there’s this and that there, but never producing anyone or saying there’s any evidence behind it.
“Until they can produce something that I’m worried about then I don’t take any notice of it.”
England were given a briefing by the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption unit ahead of their current tour of Sri Lanka, part of an
0 Bowler Mark Wood says the England players attend meetings before every big series, when they are told about ‘the dos and don’ts’.
MARK WOOD ongoing investigation on the island that has seen World Cup winner and former selector Sanath Jayasuriya charged.
The content of the briefing
was nothing new to Wood, who believes players have all the information necessary to deal with any illegal approaches.
“We get one or two meetings a year, normally before every big series there’s a meeting,” he explained. “We had one before this series, a guy comes in and we speak about the dos and don’ts. Even if it’s not with England, if I’m with Durham or in India [at the IPL] there’s people you can talk to.
“The main thing they put across to you is if you see anything, even if it’s nothing, just report it. Luckily I’ve not had to do it yet but you’ve got the support network there if you need it.”
The ECB issued the following
comments on Sunday following the documentary release: “Whilst the limited information we have been given by Al Jazeera is poorly prepared and lacks clarity and corroboration it has been properly assessed.
“Analysis of this by the ECB Integrity Team has cast no doubt on the integrity or behaviour of any England player, current or former.”
Earlier this year the network’s allegations of a fixing plot in England’s 2016 Test against India in Chennai were described as “outrageous” by both head coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Joe Root.
The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) released a
statement that joined the ECB and the International Cricket Council in calling on Al Jazeera to release any and all relevant information.
David Leatherdale, the PCA’S chief executive, said: “Further to the ECB’S statement on Sunday’s Al Jazeera programme, the Professional Cricketers’ Association has been working closely with the ECB and directly with the players to make sure that they are aware of these unsupported accusations.
“The players refute all allegations and have the full support of the PCA.
“Thepcaisurgingthebroadcaster to provide all footage and evidence to the ICC Anticorruption Unit.” Bowler Mark Wood is hoping to make the most of a belated chance to impress in England’s victorious one-day series against Sri Lanka.
England have made the most of a rain-affected tour to lead 3-0 heading into today’s final match in Colombo but Wood has been restricted to a watching brief.
The Durham seamer will finally be let off the leash at the Premadasa Stadium in what is a dead rubber for the team but a big opportunity for those who have been kicking their heels on the sidelines.
Liam Plunkett, a late arrival on tour having been given time off for his wedding, is also likely to return to the side, while Sam Curran and Joe Denly will be crossing their fingers for good news.
“It’s been disappointing so far, obviously you want to play, but I’ve not moaned or sulked. It’s professional sport,” the 28-year-old said.
“On a personal note you’refrustratednottoplay but now I’ve got my chance I’ve got to take it. The obvious thing is to take wickets, put in a match-winning performance. To really nail down your spot you’ve got to be taking wickets, taking key wickets.”
Wood has been a regular for England’s white-ball side over the past three years, tasked with bringing an injection of speed to the attack.
That role has been handed to newcomer Olly Stone in the past four games but the atmosphere around the camp is one of mutual support rather than distracting rivalry.
“When you’re winning games of cricket you say ‘fair play’. You want your friends to do well,” added Wood.
“We’ve got a backlog of fast bowling, and that’s good. I’ll speak to Chris Woakes and to Olly about the previous games to see what the batsmen have been doing.
“It’s been good to have been part of some good wins.”
“Al Jazeera keep saying there’s this and that there, but never producing anyone or saying there’s any evidence behind it. I don’t take any notice”