Strauss says fixing scandal hurting cricket

Although agreeing that the match-fixing crisis overshadowing Pakistan’s tour is hurting cricket, Strauss argued that the sport is generally free of corruption.

By (AP)

Published: Fri 10 Sep 2010, 9:58 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 2:58 AM

England captain Andrew Strauss will lead his team in the first of five 50-over matches on Friday in Durham. England won the test series 3-1 and both Twenty20 matches, yet the tour will be remembered for the suspension of three Pakistan players by the ICC for “spot-fixing.”

“These allegations do hurt the game,” Strauss said. “Every one of them that comes to light hurts the game. Cricket is strong enough to overcome them, but while they are out there it is a good opportunity to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.

“I don’t worry for the future of the game of cricket. It has survived many controversies over the years and will continue to do so.”

Strauss said players had a duty to ensure that corruption is eliminated from cricket.

“As players, all we can do is recognize our responsibility and do everything we can to paint the game in a positive light and help people reconnect with the game for the right reasons,” Strauss said. “Despite whatever allegations have been out there, I maintain cricket generally is a very clean sport and two teams are playing to beat the other 100 percent.

“If I can allay fears, there is no chance in my mind that these games coming up won’t be played in that spirit.”

Pakistan test captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were suspended by the ICC last week following a sting operation by The News of the World. A fourth player, Wahab Riaz, will be questioned by Scotland Yard on Tuesday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board lobbied hard behind the scenes to ensure the players were suspended, saving the rest of the tour from being tarnished by their involvement.

Riaz remains in the squad, as does wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who is being investigated by the ICC for a separate matter.

Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed said top order batsman Asad Shafiq will make his debut on Friday, with pace bowler Mohammad Irfan also coming into the team. Allrounder Abdul Razzaq has been surprisingly dropped, as has Shahzaib Hasan.

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England (probable): Paul Collingwood (captain), Andrew Strauss, Steven Davies, Jonathan Trott, Eoin Morgan, Ravi Bopara, Luke Wright, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.

Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Yousuf, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi (captain), Fawad Alam, Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Irfan.