Cricket chiefs probe illegal betting claim

Cricket chiefs are probing a suspicious betting allegation concerning the Ashes series ahead of tomorrow’s crunch final test.

The sport’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has received a report from the Australia team making a claim of suspicious bookmaking activity during the current Ashes series.

According to website Cricinfo, an Australian player was approached by a man suspected to be linked to illegal bookmaking at the team’s hotel, following their defeat by England in the second Test at Lord’s last month.

The unidentified player is said to have alerted senior team officials immediately, who contacted the ICC’s anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU).

England take on Australia at The Oval in the winner-takes-all clash which starts tomorrow. The sides are level at 1-1, with England needing to win to claim back the historic urn.