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Strauss reacts angrily to fixing claims

Author: John Harris
Date: 21/09/2010
Cricket betting

Captain Andrew Strauss has responded angrily to suggestions from Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ijaz Butt that some England players may have been involved in fixing the outcome of Friday's one-day international.

Pakistan landed a 23-run victory at The Oval after England suffered a batting collapse in the capital, but Strauss has reacted with surprise and dismay at Butt's outburst and the latest twist to cricket's match and spot-fixing allegations.

"We would like to express our surprise, dismay and outrage at the comments made by Mr Butt yesterday," he said in a statement.

"We are deeply concerned and disappointed that our integrity as cricketers has been brought into question.

"We refute these allegations completely and will be working closely with the ECB to explore all legal options open to us."

The England and Wales Cricket Board has also released a strongly-worded statement following Butt's claims."

Will England wrap up victory in the current one-day series against Pakistan? - Latest Cricket Betting

Meanwhile, England seamer Ryan Sidebottom has called time on his international career at the age of 32.

Sidebottom announced his decision after playing an important role for Nottinghamshire as they claimed the County Championship Division One title last week.

In football, Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Liverpool striker Fernando Torres of cheating during Manchester United's 3-2 victory over their bitter rivals at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Online betting favourites United took the honours following a sensational hat-trick from Dimitar Berbatov.

However, despite leading 2-0 midway through the second half, it was an uncomfortable ride for the home side after they allowed Liverpool to claw their way back on level terms.

Referring to Torres winning a free-kick which led to their second goal, Ferguson fumed: "Fernando Torres made a meal of it - an absolute meal of it.

"There is no doubt he tried to get the player sent off."

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini will consider loaning unsettled goalkeeper Shay Given in January.

The 34-year-old Republic of Ireland international openly discussed his unhappiness at starting the new Premier League season behind new number one Joe Hart in the build-up to Sunday's 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic.

Birmingham City midfielder Lee Bowyer has issued an apology following a foul-mouthed rant towards a West Bromwich Albion supporter during Saturday's 3-1 defeat at The Hawthorns.

Bowyer exchanged words with a female Baggies supporter while taking his seat in the dugout following a 68th minute substitution during the local derby.

In rugby union, beleaguered Ospreys star Gavin Henson has less than one per cent chance of joining London Irish, according to director of rugby Toby Booth.

The Welshman has failed to figure in a competitive game for 18 months after taking unpaid leave and media rumours are suggesting the Exiles could be in the frame to entice him back into the game.

But Booth has suggested the club have not spoken to the player, who wants to move to London to be closer to his children.

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