Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Root and Bayliss slam 'outrageous' claims of England 'fixing' in India

England captain Joe Root and coach Trevor Bayliss both described allegations their 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, Root was asked to comment on the allegations made in a programme about spot-fixing to be broadcast later Sunday by the Al Jazeera television channel.


"I am aware that there is a documentary and it is outrageous that our players have been accused," Root told the BBC.

The Yorkshireman was more concerned with ensuring England bounce back strongly in next week's second Test of a two-match series at his Headingley home ground.

"It's not anything for the guys to worry about, we have to focus on winning at Headingley."

In a separate post-match press conference, Root said the allegations were "ridiculous".

"All the players have been briefed by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), and been told there's absolutely nothing to worry about."

The top-order batsman put his faith in the International Cricket Council to judge the worth of the Al Jazeera documentary, adding: "I've just been told to strongly deny the accusations, because it sounds quite ridiculous really.

"It's for the ICC to sort out –- they're the people in charge -- and if there's anything to it they'll look into it.

"But I've been told there's nothing to worry about," Root insisted.

Bayliss was similarly forthright in a separate interview with Sky Sports.

"Outrageous," said the England coach, when asked about the fixing claims.

"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.

- 'No credible evidence' -

Root and Bayliss's words were endorsed by ECB chief executive Tom Harrison, who said neither his organisation nor the ICC 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."

"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 the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said Sunday it had a "zero tolerance" approach to anything that brought cricket into disrepute, adding its anti-corruption unit was "working closely" with their ICC counterparts in examining Al Jazeera's allegations.

The documentary alleged the Chennai fixture had fallen prey to spot-fixing, where specific incidents in games can be manipulated to achieve betting coups without corrupting one side or another to lose on purpose.

The programme also contained allegations of match-fixing in games featuring both England and Australia in Sri Lanka.

The ICC said Saturday it took the allegations reported by Al Jazeera "very seriously" and urged "all evidence and supporting material" to be shared with its own anti-corruption unit.

More For You

Another round of Indian deportees from US to arrive in Amritsar

Indian immigrants who allegedly illegally migrated to US arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, in Ahmedabad. (ANI Photo)

Another round of Indian deportees from US to arrive in Amritsar

A US military transport aircraft, the C-17 Globemaster III, is set to land at Amritsar International Airport on Saturday (15) night, carrying around 119 Indian nationals.

This movement follows the earlier deportation of 104 individuals, marking another phase in the US government's intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

Keep ReadingShow less
Why Trump believes Middle East peace plan will work

Donald Trump with Benjamin Netanyahu

Why Trump believes Middle East peace plan will work

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan to move 10 million people out of Israel and resettle them in Germany, France and the UK has caused outrage across the world.

With Hamas leaders standing happily by his side, Trump told reporters at a press conference at the White House: “Everybody I have spoken to loves the idea.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Will 'Bridgerton' season 4 have the biggest twists so far? Here’s what the sneak peak reveals!

A glimpse into Bridgerton Season 4: Romance, drama, and intrigue await in the highly anticipated new chapter

Instagram/bridgertonnetflix

Will 'Bridgerton' season 4 have the biggest twists so far? Here’s what the sneak peak reveals!

Netflix has given fans a tantalising glimpse into the upcoming fourth season of Bridgerton, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The sneak peek, shared on February 14, gives us behind-the-scenes moments and fresh footage from the new episodes, which are currently in production. The season will centre on Benedict Bridgerton played by Luke Thompson, the free-spirited second son of the Bridgerton family, as he navigates love and societal expectations. His story takes a dramatic turn when he encounters the enigmatic “Lady in Silver,” Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, at a lavish masquerade ball hosted by his mother.

The teaser also introduces three new characters: Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung) and her daughters, Rosamund Li (Michelle Mao) and Posy Li (Isabella Wei), who are set to stir up the marriage market. Familiar faces will also return, including Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, and Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton. Fans of Penelope and Colin will be pleased to see them back, with a still image hinting at their growing family.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chila Burman casts ‘neon’ light on Indian migration stories

Chila Burman shows her work in tapestry

Chila Burman casts ‘neon’ light on Indian migration stories

CHILA BURMAN, who lit up Tate Britain during the dark days of the Covid pandemic in 2020 and the West End of London last year, has now put her trademark tiger on the quayside façade of the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester.

For her new commission, called Chila Welcomes You, the artist has brought her personal perspective to “the heritage of conflict and stories of Indian migration to Britain after the Second World War”.

Keep ReadingShow less