Cricket hit by 'fixing' claims

Lewis made his claims in the News of the World

The England and Wales Cricket Board are to look into match-fixing allegations, made by former England all-rounder Chris Lewis.

The county star claims the widespread epidemic spreading throughout world cricket has also infected Britain.

I was told one of the three - a batsman - had received a 'substantial figure' to get himself out deliberately.

Former England all-rounder Chris Lewis

According to Lewis, three high-profile English cricketers have allegedly taken money to influence the result of matches.

The ECB have refused to launch an immediate investigation until they discover more of the facts.

ECB media relations officer Andrew Walpole said: "After we have studied the article in detail we will then decide what course of action to take, if any."

England were investigated last year when Lewis made other claims he had been approached to persuade England players to throw a match against New Zealand.

If my name had come out, my career in the sport would be over. I also genuinely would have feared for my life.

Chris Lewis

Scotland Yard investigated the matter and interviewed all the England players, but are now believed to be completely satisfied there were no illegal activities.

"They are all famous players hero-worshipped by millions of young fans in this country," Lewis is quoted as saying in the News of The World newspaper.

"The amounts the three received went into thousands. I was told everybody was at it, including players from South Africa, India and Pakistan.

"I was told one of the three - a batsman - had received a 'substantial figure' to get himself out deliberately during a one-day international against Australia."

Lewis told the newspaper that he did not reveal the names of the players involved because he feared for his life.

"People will say if I cared about the game I should have told the ECB their names," he said.

"But if my name had come out, my career in the sport would be over. I also genuinely would have feared for my life."