New Zealand’s win over Australia in Hobart: The match has been accused of spot-fixing in the latest Al Jazeera documentary.
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During the second Test match of New Zealand’s tour of Australia in 2011 at Hobart, New Zealand had defeated Australia by 7 runs in a tightly-fought encounter. In which was New Zealand’s first Test win against Australia in Australia in 26 years, it has sought of become sour with its mention been made in the latest Al Jazeera documentary.
Been given the title ‘Cricket’s Match Fixers: The Munawar Files’, it is the second episode of allegations been made by Al Jazeera, claiming of 26 spot-fixes in 15 international matches (six Tests, six ODIs and three ICC World Twenty20 2012) in 2011-12.
Talking of the Hobart Test, which was also New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult’s debut match, the visitors had bundled out Australia for 233 in 63.4 overs, drawing the series 1-1.
David Warner, who had made his Test debut in the first Test at Brisbane, scored his maiden Test century (123*) albeit in a losing cause. With bowling figures of 16.4-4-40-6 in the second innings, New Zealand fast bowler Doug Bracewell was the pick of their bowlers.
Apart from this Test, Australia’s first Test of their tour of South Africa at Cape Town later in 2011 has also been accused of similar claims.
The exact details of the spot-fixes haven’t been made public. However, with an intriguing matches such as these coming under the cloud, fans are expected to be in doubts over the genuineness of the modern-day sport.
Cricket Australia, on the other hand, said in a statement that they have full confidence in their players in protecting their game. “Cricket Australia takes a zero-tolerance approach against anyone trying to compromise the integrity of the game,” James Sutherland, Cricket Australia’s CEO said.
“Prior to the broadcast of Al Jazeera’s documentary, Cricket Australia’s Integrity Unit conducted a review of the latest claims by Al Jazeera, from a known criminal source, and, from the limited information provided by Al Jazeera, our team have not identified any issues of corruption by any current or former player, including in relation to Big Bash League matches.
“We have full confidence in our players in also protecting the game, and we are working closely with the ACA to keep them informed of any developments,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of New Zealand Cricket, Richard Boock laid emphasis on the fact that Al Jazeera should provide the cricketing boards with all the available information in a bid to carry out detailed investigation on their part.
“NZC takes anti-corruption extremely seriously and has no wish to undermine its integrity by commenting on unsubstantiated allegations. We would, however, join the ICC and Cricket Australia in urging Al Jazeera to make all information relating to the allegations available, in the interests of natural justice and good journalism.” Boock said.
Read some of the latest Twitter reactions on the Al Jazeera documentary below:
