Joe Root, Boxing Day Test, Melbourne, Alastair Cook, Steven Smith
Credits: Getty Images.

England Test skipper Joe Root, on Sunday, vehemently refused any possibility of England players’ being involved in fixing during the Chennai Test against India in 2016. The fixing claims were made by news outlet Al Jazeera. 

The cricketing fraternity has been shook by news outlet’s documentary, “Cricket’s Match Fixers”. In the documentary, a Mumbai-based fixer Aneel Munawar promises undercover reporters that three England batsmen would cooperate to ensure that the runs scored during a 10-over period would be less than the over-under figure set by an Indian bookmaker. Munawar went on to claim that the last over in this period will be a “Manda” – Indian betting slang for an over that contains no more than two runs.

However, the details or the whereabouts of the 10-over period are not revealed in the documentary for legal reasons. But Al Jazeera confirmed that the predictions of the score and the “Manda” are exactly right. For the time being, the name of the accused English players are withheld. Al Jazeera confirmed that they approached the players for comments. However, the players, speaking through their lawyers, the players “categorically denied” the allegations.  England had lost the Chennai Test by an innings and 75 runs, losing the five-match series 4-0.

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As of now, nothing is clear. However, Root has insisted that the English team was not involved in any malpractice. The England skipper also termed the allegations as ‘ridiculous’.

“I’ve been made aware there’s a documentary going out. All the players have been briefed by the ECB, and been told there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. I’ve just been told to strongly deny the accusations, because it sounds quite ridiculous really,” he said after the first Test against Pakistan.

Joe Root Dismisses Claims Of England 'Fixing' In Chennai Test
India had won the Chennai Test comprehensively (Credits: AP)

“As a group of players we’ve got to focus on next week, making sure we prepare well, and let the people in charge look after this – because I’m sure it’s nothing. 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,” he added.

The ECB, who have seen the documentary, put out a statement through chief executive Tom Harrison. The board made it clear that they did not get any evidence against its players.

“There is nothing we have seen that would make us doubt any of our players in any way whatsoever. 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. Neither ECB nor the ICC is aware of any credible evidence connecting any England players to any form of corruption.

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“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.

Joe Root, Ashes 2017-18, Australia Vs England, WACA Test,
Credits: Getty Images.

“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, the International Cricket Council have opened an investigation into the documentary.

 

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