Cricket: Giddins Linked to Gambling Inquiry

The England and Wales Cricket Board said yesterday that it was investigating claims of illegal gambling by a cricketer who allegedly bet on the outcome of a county match.

Gerard Elias QC, chairman of the ECB's disciplinary committee, is investigating claims that the cricketer, thought to be the then Surrey bowler Ed Giddins, stood to win £7,000 after allegedly betting on the team to lose a Norwich Union League game against Northamptonshire in August 2002.

Giddins, a former England seam bowler, did not play in the match, which was won by Northants by 102 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method. Surrey fielded a weak team because most of their regulars were in Leeds preparing for a C&G Trophy semi-final against Yorkshire.

All English county players are required to sign an agreement not to bet on any match and if those regulations are broken offenders face a maximum five-year ban from playing or administration plus an unlimited fine.

Andrew Walpole, the ECB's media relations manager, said: "We're aware of the allegations concerning a player. The matter is being handled by Gerard Elias and he will consider what is the appropriate action to take."

Elias has not been given a deadline to report back and the inquiry will examine evidence from bookmakers and from the Surrey member who initially reported the alleged bet.

Giddins, who retired from county cricket at the end of last season, was unavailable for comment last night.

Simon Jones completed a five-wicket haul for England A as they took a firm grip on their match with Tamil Nadu. The Glamorgan paceman helped dismiss the hosts for 333 and, with England reaching 251 for six in the second innings, they finished the third day with a lead of 286.

Mark Waugh, who played 128 Test matches for Australia, yesterday announced that he will retire from first-class cricket at the end of the season.

Shane Warne and Cricket Australia have both dismissed a report that the leg-spinner was seen in the company of an Indian gambler during Australia's 1999 World Cup campaign in England.

Cricket Australia said there was no reason to launch an inquiry. "Shane Warne has emphatically denied the reports which have surfaced out of India overnight and at this stage Cricket Australia does not consider these allegations credible to warrant any formal investigation."