Corruption fears over The Hundred

ENGLISH cricket’s anti-corruption officials have earmarked the new Hundred competition as an area of risk — and have launched an anonymous phoneline to encourage players to report suspicious activity. The 100-ball tournament, which begins next summer, is on a list of competitions regarded as vulnerable. Anti-corruption measures will be in place, but its newness is regarded as tempting to illegal bookmakers. The Cricket Integrity Line has been launched with the help of Crimestoppers. Posters have been put up in county dressing rooms, allowing cricketers to phone a helpline or fill out an online report, safe in the knowledge that their identity will not be compromised. Meanwhile, Liam Dawson has emerged as a late contender for England’s World Cup squad after being named as an 18th man under consideration for the tournament by coach Trevor Bayliss. The all-rounder is being monitored at The Oval today in the first of five ODIs against Pakistan. Moeen Ali’s absence with a rib injury opens the door for Joe Denly as England’s second spinner. But if the Kent man struggles with the ball today England may turn to Hampshire’s Dawson, 29.