Thomson surprised by Waugh's refusal to talk to ICC

Former Australia fast bowler Jeff Thomson expressed surprise and concern on Wednesday that Test batsman Mark Waugh had refused to speak to the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit.

Waugh, who has denied a bookmaker's allegations that he took money in exchange for information during a six-a-side tournament, was given 24 hours by the Australian Cricket Board on Wednesday to change his mind or face being dropped from the national side.

Thomson said Waugh's stance had not help his situation. "It looks like he's got something to hide," Thomson told reporters. "It seems funny.

"I think he should just say, 'okay, 'I've got nothing to hide'. So you sort of wonder, it raises a bit of a question mark."

Speaking after a news conference at Lord's to announce a new sponsor for England's home Test matches, Thomson said he did not understand why Waugh "doesn't just say 'let's get this out of the way' ".

Waugh, twin brother of Australia captain Steve, was fined along with team mate Shane Warne in 1995 after the pair admitted taking money from a bookmaker in the previous year for supplying pitch and weather information.

England Cricket Board chairman Lord MacLaurin told reporters he supported the ACB stand.

"I have no doubt that the Australian Board will do exactly the right thing for the game," he said.

But asked if he was surprised by Waugh's decision, MacLaurin replied: "No, when lawyers get involved the lawyers will always advise their clients to step back."

Mail Cricket Editor