Moeen in ‘trust’ call after charges against Jayasuriya

side and a one-time member of parliament. But he was compelled to issue a statement yesterday defending his “integrity and transparency” after the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption unit (ACU) issued two charges against him.

The first related to “failure or refusal” to cooperate with an ACU investigation, while the other concerned “obstructing or delaying” its work by concealing, tampering or destroying information.

England were given a briefing by ACU general manager Alex Marshall at the beginning of their tour of the island and allrounder Moeen reflected on the importance of taking part in games that were free from suspicion.

“You want people to watch the game thinking everything is right and played fairly,” he said. “You don’t want people thinking, ‘Is there money on this game?’ and ‘Because that guy is struggling why is that?’. You don’t want people thinking, ‘Is he playing for something else?’.

“It is important for the game of cricket and players as well. You want to inspire the new generation and bring new people to the game and you cannot afford to make mistakes like that. It is always a concern when it is the sport we love.”

Jayasuriya, who played in a total of 586 international matches over a span of 22 years, released a carefully worded response to the charges in which he suggested “strict legal advice” prevented him from giving a fuller account until he has responded formally to the charges. He has been given until October 29 to do so.

Fair play or no play: Moeen Ali