Bayliss hits out at ‘outrageous’ claims of England ‘fixing’ in India

LONDON: England coach Trevor Bayliss has described allegations his side fixed aspects of a Test against India at Chennai in 2016 as “outrageous”.

After England’s nine-wicket defeat by Pakistan in the first Test at Lord’s on Sunday, Bayliss was asked to comment on the allegations made in a programme about spot-fixing broadcast by the Al Jazeera television channel.

“Outrageous,” Bayliss told Sky Sports. “I knew a documentary was going to be coming out. I wouldn’t have a clue what’s in it yet, or seen it.

“But, having been there (at the Chennai Test), outrageous is all I can say,” the Australian added.

England lost that Test in Chennai by an innings and 75 runs.

Bayliss’s words were endorsed by England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison, who said neither his organisation nor the International Cricket Council had “any credible evidence” of corruption involving England players.

“There is nothing we have seen that would make us doubt any of our players in any way whatsoever,” Harrison said in a board statement issued Sunday.

“The limited information we have been given has been discussed with all the England players.

“They emphatically deny the allegations, have stated categorically that the claims are false and they have our full support.”

Harrison added: “Neither ECB nor the ICC is aware of any credible evidence connecting any England players to any form of corruption.

“ECB had been aware of the planned Al Jazeera documentary for some time but have not been given the full content.

“There have been repeated requests for any evidence and unedited materials to be shared with the ICC so they can fully investigate.

“We, like other member boards, are disappointed that Al Jazeera have not been more cooperative and responsible when making such serious allegations.

“ECB has a regular dialogue with the ICC and its anti-corruption unit, fully supports its work and will continue to cooperate with their review.”

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has requested TV channel Al Jazeera for raw footage and un-edited material to determine whether allegations of spot-fixing in a Test involving Australia in India are credible and an investigation is necessary.

The allegations were made by the Al Jazeera TV channel in a documentary, seen by Cricinfo, which focuses on various forms of corruption in the sport. Another Test involving a different country is also under the scanner.

CA responded to the claims by saying “neither the ICC or Cricket Australia is aware of any credible evidence linking Australian players to corruption in the game.”

The board said it has not yet had the opportunity to view the documentary or raw footage containing the allegations, and requested Al Jazeera for the same.

Statement from Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager - Anti-Corruption Unit

The ICC is aware of an investigation into corruption in cricket by a news organisation and as you would expect we will take the contents of the programme and any allegations it may make very seriously.