Spot-fixing clouds on third Ashes Test, CA denies`

Just before the start of the Perth Test between Australia and England, a British newspaper, The Sun, alleged that two Indian bookies had offered to sell the details of rigged periods of play in the Test in Perth which could be bet on to win huge sums. Not any Australia or England players were named as being involved. In this game, England is battling to avoid going 3-0 down in the five-Test series while Australia wanted to seal the series as soon as possible.

"There is no substance that this Test match or the Ashes series is subject to corrupt activities. There is no evidence, substance or justification that any player on either side or match official are under suspicion or been contacted by alleged fixers," he added.

"We have absolute confidence in our players, team officials and others involved in our game. Our players are educated on a regular basis on the risk of corruption in our game. We have zero tolerance approach to anti-corruption and we take seriously any allegations that undermine the integrity of our sport.

"I don't think that anyone should believe we are complacent on this issue and we are aware of the risks of corruption in cricket," he added.

"From my initial assessment of the material, there is no evidence, either from The Sun or via our own intelligence, to suggest the current Test match has been corrupted," said the ICC's anti-corruption chief Alex Marshall. 

"We take the allegations extremely seriously and they will be investigated by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit working with anti-corruption colleagues from Member countries. The allegations are wide-ranging and relate to various forms cricket in several countries, including T20 tournaments.