The head of the International Cricket Council’s anti-corruption unit, Alex Marshall, rejected allegations of spot-fixing ahead of the third Ashes Test. 

A shock report in the UK tabloid The Sun stated that there was a major attempt at fixing the third Test in Perth between Australia and England which started on Thursday.

A collection of documents was handed to the ICC providing evidence of alleged attempts of corruption, but Marshall stated that he has full trust that no spot-fixing has occurred.

‘We have now received all materials relating to The Sun investigation,’ Marshall told the Sydney Morning Herald. ‘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.

‘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. At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication that any players in this Test have been in contact with the alleged fixers.

‘The allegations are wide-ranging and relate to various forms of cricket in several countries, including T20 tournaments. We will look closely at all the information as part of our investigation.’

Cricket Australia’s chief executive James Sutherland backed up Marshall’s statements.

‘We have absolute confidence in our players, our team officials and others involved in the game,’ Sutherland said. ‘There is nothing to suggest any suspicion about our players.’

Former and current internationals, including a World Cup-winning all-rounder, were said to be involved in the scandal, but when asked about who these players were, Sutherland said: ‘I think it’s a matter for Alex to talk further about. But what I’ve heard from Alex specifically today is that he does not believe there is any substance to these allegations.’

Australian captain Steve Smith expressed his shock on the matter.

‘I saw that this morning,’ Smith told ABC Grandstand. ‘Obviously, there is no tolerance and no place for that in our game. As far as I know, there is nothing that has been going on or anything like that.’

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