English bowler under probe for allegedly fixing county match

English fast bowler Mervyn Westfield is under police investigation for 'match irregularities' during a NatWest Pro40 match between Essex and Durham at the Riverside on September 5 last year.

Essex won the match by seven wickets, but in Durham's total of 276 for six in their 40 overs Westfield bowled seven wicketless overs for 60 runs, with four wides and two no-balls.

The suggestion is that players did not actively throw matches, but it is thought that the allegations surround what is called 'spot-fixing', whereby the outcome of a specific event in a game is fixed.

According to reports, an Essex player had initially raised concern after which the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as well as the International Cricket Council's Anti Corruption and Security Unit were informed.

However, they decided to hand the matter to the Essex Police.

The ECB had issued a brief statement from Essex Police stating that inquiries are currently being conducted into the actions of two Essex players.

"Following allegations received about two Essex county cricket players involved in match irregularities, we have initiated an investigation and are working closely with Essex County Cricket Club and the English Cricket Board," The Telegraph quoted the statement, as saying.