Lewis backs up allegations

After meeting Lewis, in a carefully-worded statement ECB, revealed he “has put all information in his possession into the hands of the Board”.

Meanwhile, an inquiry at Britain’s police headquarters at Scotland Yard into allegations made by Lewis and New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming is continuing after the pair claimed they were offered cash to fix the outcome of an international between the two countries last summer.

Having summoned Lewis to account for his remarks anddetail all the information in his possession, ECB, who will also continue their own investigations into the matter, released a statement on Tuesday.

It read: “Gerard Elias, QC (Queen’s Counsel, meaning top level lawyer), Chairman of the Discipline Committee, and Simon Pack, International Teams Director, on behalf of ECB, on Tuesday interviewed Chris Lewis in the company of his solicitor regarding the comments attributed to him in Sunday’s News of the World.

“Mr Lewis indicated his desire to continue to co-operate fully with the board and has put all information in his possession into the hands of the board.

“As a result the board is passing this information to the police. At the same time the board will continue its investigations with a view to determining whether evidence exists in relation to betting and match-fixing which might justify disciplinary action under the board’s regulations."

“The Board will issue further statements as and when it has more information.”

Speaking before the ECB statement Botham had said he believed Lewis would become an outcast for his claims.

“If he’s making it up, or can’t back up his allegations with any substance, I can’t think of too many England players who would give him house room for this,” said Botham.

Following the ECB statement, it would appear that Lewis has indeed backed up his allegations.