Lankans Perera, Herath approached to fix Test

COLOMBO — Sri Lankan authorities are investigating a bid to persuade members of the national cricket team to under-perform in a recent Test to ensure a surprise victory for the West Indies, the government said Friday. Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera said a man linked to a bookmaker had approached wicketkeeper Kusal Perera and star bowler Rangana Herath to engineer a Sri Lankan batting collapse at a Test in Galle in October, which the host went on to win emphatically. “After Kusal turned down the offer, the man approached Herath who also rejected the offer and alerted the authorities,” Jayasekera told AFP. “We have started a police inquiry in addition to an anti-corruption probe by Sri Lanka Cricket,” he added in reference to the national cricket board. Sri Lanka beat the tourists by an innings and six runs after left-arm spinner Herath took 10 wickets in the match on the country’s south coast. Jayasekera also suggested that Perera’s recent failure in a doping Test may have been because he raised the alarm over the match-fixing attempt. “It is possible that something was slipped into his food or his urine sample was tampered with to get this result,” Jayasekera said. “We are doing our best to defend him.” Ashley de Silva, the chief executive of Sri Lanka Cricket, said the board could not discuss the case in line with International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-corruption regulations. “Because of the anti-corruption regulations, we cannot say anything,” de Silva told AFP. However, a source in the board confirmed that the organization was conducting its own investigation into the claims. “The two players brought this to our notice,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity. Hussey laughs off comeback chatter Retired Test batsman Mike Hussey has laughed off suggestions he could return to Australian colors for next year’s World Twenty20 after scoring an unbeaten 80 to lead the Sydney Sixers to victory in the domestic Big Bash League. The left-hander, who retired from international cricket two years ago, will be on the flight to India for the March 8-April 3 tournament as a coaching consultant to the Australia team. Shane Watson was one observer of the 59-ball knock who suggested his 40-year-old Sixers teammate would not look out of place back out in the middle in the international game but Hussey was having none of it. “No, I wouldn’t have thought so,” Hussey laughed. “I’m happy to try and help out as much as I can off the field. “We’ve got so much talent in this country and I’m excited to be working with the Australian team.” Australia’s best showing at the World Twenty20 was reaching the final of the 2010 version, when it lost to England. — Agencies