The focus was expected to be on Ross Taylor’s maiden double-century (217) and the good position the Black Caps were in declaring the innings on 609 for 9 this week, but an article in New Zealand Herald turned antipodean cricket on its head, alleging three former top New Zealand cricketers were under the microscope for match-fixing.
The ICC confirmed the investigation, stating: “Following the publication of an article in a leading New Zealand newspaper earlier in which it is alleged that a small number of former New Zealand cricketers had engaged in fixing activity in historic cricket matches.
“And were being investigated by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), the ICC confirms that it has indeed been working closely over the past few months with its colleagues in the domestic anti-corruption units of Member Boards to investigate these and related matters”.
New Zealand Cricket CEO David White told journalists at a press conference before the start of the day’s play that NZC are “shocked and surprised” by the allegations.
It is understood NZC knows the identity of the former players under investigation by the ICC’s anti-corruption unit, however they will not be named because of the ongoing nature of the investigation.