ECB warned of 'threat' to Lord's Test

The England and Wales Cricket Board have revealed they had been warned by the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit that the first Test against Pakistan at Lord's may have been targeted by illegal bookmakers.  

The anti-corruption unit headed by Sir Paul Condon told both the ECB and their Pakistan counterparts that there was a "potential threat by known corruptors to influence the series between the two sides", according to a report in The News of the World.

The ECB have confirmed that they then "reminded" England's players, who won the first Test in three days to go one up in the series, for the need for "ever-present vigilance".

A statement from English cricket's governing body read: "The ECB was notified by the anti-corruption unit of a possible threat to influence the outcome of the first npower Test against Pakistan.

"As a result all of the England players were reminded of the need for ever-present vigilance and to report any suspicious approaches to the team management."

Former Metropolitan Police chief Condon released a highly-detailed report into match-fixing on May 23, just days after England beat Pakistan by an innings and nine runs at Lord's.

The 77-page document fell short of naming the identities of those involved because of restrictions under UK law.

A statement from the unit published in The News of the World read: "The ICC anti-corruption unit confirms it has briefed senior officials of the English and Pakistan cricket boards on a potential threat by known corruptors to influence the series between the two sides.

"In the interests of confidentiality it is not possible to say more at present.

"However, the information we have received demands we take this potential threat seriously, which is why the English Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board were advised of the situation."