Strauss keeps level head in spot-fix row
ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss believes the game of cricket will recover from the damaging spot-fix allegations involving Pakistan players.
Three of the Pakistan team have been suspended by the International Cricket Council and a fourth questioned following an undercover investigation by the News of the World.
But Strauss, who leads England out for the first of five one-day internationals against Pakistan at the Riverside today, insists the allegations will not have a long-lasting effect on the game.
“I don’t worry for the future of the game of cricket. It has survived many controversies over the years and will continue to do so,” he said. “I do recognise the importance of ironing out any of these allegations, because ultimately they are a cancer that can spread and devalue the game.
“As players, we have a responsibility to help them out in that.”
Strauss, however, maintains that cricket remains clean despite the accusations surrounding the Pakistan trio.
“Despite whatever allegations have been out there, I still maintain that cricket generally is a very clean sport and that two teams are playing to beat the other 100 per cent.
“That’s why these allegations are very hurtful to the game – and that’s why we need to move on and make sure the game is very clean.”
England will give Surrey wicketkeeper/batsman Steven Davies his chance to impress in the 50-over format today in place of Craig Kieswetter, while Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright will battle it out for the all-rounder spot at the expense of the dropped Kevin Pietersen.