Essex bowler faces charges over 'spot fixing' fraud

Former Essex fast bowler Mervyn Westfield was accused of fraud yesterday over claims he deliberately played poorly as part of a gambling swindle.

The Crown Prosecution Service said Westfield, of Chelmsford, had been charged with conspiracy to defraud. The 22-year-old pace bowler faces claims he acted dishonestly during a 40-over match between Durham and Essex on 5 September, 2009.

Police investigated allegations surrounding spot betting, a niche area of gambling where people bet on specific occurrences in a game. It is alleged that he dishonestly agreed to bowl his first over in such a way as to allow a certain number of runs to be scored. Westfield conceded 60 runs in seven overs during the match, with four wides and two no-balls. It was broadcast live by Sky around the world.

A second player, Essex and Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria, 29, was questioned over the claims but was told last week he will face no further action.

Westfield was charged at Rayleigh police station in Essex, and will appear on bail at City of London Magistrates' Court next Thursday.

Antony Swift, of the CPS, said: "I have advised that Mervyn Westfield should be charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud for intentionally playing other than to the best of his ability, contrary to his contractual obligations.

"It is alleged that he dishonestly agreed to bowl his first over to allow the scoring of a certain number of runs at a match between Durham and Essex on September 5 2009.

"I have made this decision after careful consideration of a file of evidence from Essex Police. There is sufficient evidence to prosecute Mr Westfield and it is in the public interest to do so."

The charge is a fresh blow to the reputation of a game engulfed by controversy over claims of corruption. Scotland Yard detectives continue to probe allegations that members of the Pakistan cricket team deliberately bowled no-balls during their tour of England.

Businessman Mazhar Majeed is accused of accepting 150,000 to fix the actions of captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir during the fourth Test at Lord's.

The three players have been interviewed under caution and suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC). They deny any wrongdoing. A fourth player, fast bowler Wahab Riaz, was also questioned by police under caution on Tuesday.

Westfield made his first-class debut for Essex against Derbyshire in 2005 and joined the first team squad in 2006. He was selected for the England Under-19 tour to Malaysia in 2007, but his career has been blighted by injury.

Essex announced the player would be released in August.