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The ECB is set to announce a range of new regulations designed to improve the quality of pitches in domestic cricket ahead of the county season

George Dobell24-Mar-2016The ECB is set to announce a range of new regulations designed to improve the quality of pitches in domestic cricket ahead of the county season.It had already been announced that visiting teams would be given the option of bowling first, rather than having a toss, in the County Championship, with the aim of improving the standard of pitches. Now the ECB have unveiled strict penalties on clubs whose surfaces are deemed so poor that matches are abandoned.A pitch deemed unfit to the extent that a match in the Championship is abandoned will now see the visiting team awarded the match. The visiting team will also gain 16 points plus whatever bonus points they have earned, or 20 points; whichever is greater. The home team will gain zero points from the match and any bonus points they have already earned in it will be deducted. It will also count as a loss to them.A pitch deemed unfit to the extent that a limited-overs match is abandoned will also result in the visiting team receiving the two points and the home team zero. Furthermore, the home team will be regarded as having been dismissed for zero when it comes to the net run-rate calculation. The visiting team’s run-rate from the match will be discounted.Other changes to the playing conditions ahead of the 2016 season will see group matches in the Royal London One-Day Cup matches start at 11am. They have previously started at 10.30am which was seen as providing too much assistance to seamers in moist conditions. Knockout matches played later in the summer may have to start at 10.30am to avoid problems caused by the earlier sunset, though it is possible floodlights could be used to avert that issue.The ECB have also decided that no-balls given for bouncers passing above the batsmen’s heads in limited-overs cricket should no longer warrant a free-hit. They were concerned that, in 2015, bowlers were reluctant to bowl short-pitched deliveries as the penalty was potentially so costly.They have also decided that, in televised games, the TV umpire can unilaterally intervene if they see that a full ball over waist height is delivered. The on-field umpires cannot refer to the TV umpire on the matter.In a move designed to bring the ECB’s playing regulations into line with the ICC playing regulations, the wording surrounding the issue of mankading has been altered to ensure that the batsman can only be run out if the bowler has “deliberately” broken the stumps. This is to prevent a situation where a bowler bumps into the stumps – a la Steven Finn – and accidently runs out a batsman despite the delivery being adjudged a no-ball.The ECB will also announce that, in 2016, half of Second XI Championship matches will be played with Tiflex balls and half with Dukes balls. It would appear the main purpose of that arrangement is to ensure they are not overly dependent upon one supplier and retain some bargaining power when it comes to agreeing costs.

American coach Jesse Marsch has shared an update on where his future lies after being sacked from Leeds United last season.

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Ex-Leeds boss currently living in ItalyTaken up pundit role for CBS SoccerBelieves coaching future 'lies in Europe'WHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of Milan's UCL tie vs Borussia Dortmund Tuesday – where Marsch was on the ground reporting for CBS Soccer – studio analyst Kate Abdo asked Marsch where his future relies. He initially replied that "I'm a TV personality now," before offering a more considered answer.

AdvertisementWHAT MARSCH SAID

"I'm focused on what I'm doing here in Europe, which is trying this (punditry work), but I really still think that my future lies here in Europe and finding good clubs to coach here. I'm a little bit more of someone who enjoys the daily grind of being part of a team, and I feel like that's the way to really impact a group. So I mean, let's see what happens. You never know you can never say never, but I'm really happy living here in Europe. I'm really happy with with the challenge of getting to know new cultures, languages, teams leagues… Champions League, right there's nothing for me bigger than Champions League."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Marsch was removed from his post as Leeds boss on February 6 last year, and after being linked with the USMNT job, has since taken up a pundit role with CBS Soccer. Living in Italy, the American has featured on the touchline on numerous occasions this season for Milan matches, analysing USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah. On Tuesday, he spoke more on than just the UCL, including the state of the USMNT and what Gregg Berhalter needs to do to be recognized as one of the world's elite teams.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MARSCH?

The ex-Leeds boss has stated how content he is in Europe, with the American sharing his desire to stay on the continent. Whether it's punditry work – which he shared how happy he is doing – or finding a role within a top club, he has no plans to leave.

The departing Blues boss has insisted she will have a say in selecting her successor, but who are the best candidates for the role?

It’s difficult to imagine Chelsea without Emma Hayes. After all, the two have worked in tandem to deliver unprecedented success. When Hayes took over, the Blues’ women’s team had never won a major trophy. Now, they have won 15. How on earth do you replace her?

That’s the difficult task that this club has now. As confirmed on Tuesday, Hayes will leave Chelsea at the end of the season, set to become the new head coach of the United States women’s national team. The news was a shock when it arrived, but it was always going to come to this at some point – and it at least gives Chelsea a good six months or so to find that perfect successor.

They’ll have some help, too. “I think it’s really important, if possible, to create a succession plan for me, much like we do with the players,” Hayes said on Friday. “I will work with the club in the succession plan and do everything I can to make sure there is as good at transition as possible so that my successor can have the same level of success I had.”

There have already been a handful of names linked with the job, one that will certainly appeal to many because of the budget available, the incredible support from the club and the extremely talented squad that will be inherited.

So, who could follow Hayes as the new Chelsea manager? GOAL picks out some of those worth a look-in…

Getty ImagesCasey Stoney

One of the first to be linked with the job has been Casey Stoney, the former Manchester United head coach who has done tremendously well since taking charge of the San Diego Wave in the NWSL in 2021. Under Stoney, the Wave became the first expansion team to reach the NWSL play-offs in its first season in 2022, and this year, the team won its first major honour, the Shield, by topping the standings.

The 41-year-old knows the Women’s Super League inside out, having played in it for many years and then done a fantastic job laying the foundations for United’s women’s team by taking charge of its first three seasons. She is even a former Chelsea player, having represented the club for four years before the WSL era. But is she ready to leave the U.S. so soon?

After all, Stoney has only been in San Diego for two years and has already delivered big things. There’s a really exciting project building there and it would be a big decision for her and her family to relocate again so drastically and so soon.

But Chelsea is a huge job and a huge opportunity. It could certainly be enough to persuade the former England international to return to London.

AdvertisementGettyLaura Harvey

Another name from the NWSL, Laura Harvey has been in the U.S. for the last 10 years and has enjoyed a lot of success, winning three Shield titles with OL Reign and leading them to three Championship games, including the one that took place in San Diego this past weekend.

Harvey was born in England and had spells with Birmingham and Arsenal, winning six trophies with the latter before choosing to move across the pond back in 2013. Her experience in her home country came a while ago now, but she still has plenty of knowledge to tap into. The game has grown a lot in England since she left the Gunners, too, as the WSL is now a fully professional league and one of the best in the world.

It's no surprise that Harvey is being linked with Chelsea – she’s been mentioned for the England job in the past, even – and it would certainly make sense if she was ready for a new challenge after so long in the United States. This is a manager that knows how to build a project for the long-term, she refines a clear team style and is hugely respected.

But having lost all three of those NWSL Championship games that she has reached with the Reign, the 43-year-old still has unfinished business. Could that see her stick around? Or would the pull of a club like Chelsea be too much?

Getty/GOALLluis Cortes

Rounding out the three main names being linked with the job in these early days is Lluis Cortes, the former Barcelona boss who led the Catalans to a first-ever Women’s Champions League title. Cortes left his post as head coach of the Ukraine women’s national team earlier this year, so would be available right away. That could certainly help with some of that succession planning, if Chelsea were able to get the 37-year-old in before Hayes departs.

Cortes played a huge role in the development of many of Barca’s stars – including 2023 Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati – and knows all about not only the expectation of the very highest level, but how to deliver under that pressure, too.

What may be of concern are the comments from Cortes when he stepped down at the end of a sparkling 2020-21 season that saw Barca win the treble. “Right now, I don’t feel have the energy to keep leading this team,” he said, having been in charge for two seasons. “The best team in the world needs a coach who can drive them, be contagious and transmit strength to the group, and I don’t feel able to do that right now.

“It has been a very draining year, and the main reason for that is the time. It has been very long. What this team needs to carry on winning and competing is different changes, and I am convinced one of those is for me to step aside and put the club and the team ahead of everything.”

If Chelsea want to appoint someone to lead this team for the long-term, then does Cortes have the energy to do that? He left Barca when the world was still in the midst of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Could the impact that had on everyday life and on football have played a role in him being so drained by the Barca job?

Cortes is one of the best coaches in the game and should at least be considered for the post, but the Blues will want to make sure the person they appoint is capable of leading this team for several years.

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Getty ImagesSonia Bompastor

If Chelsea want a coach who is a serial winner and has proved their worth at the highest level, then Sonia Bompastor certainly ticks those boxes. The 43-year-old had two trophy-laden spells with Lyon as a player and she has since translated that success into her managerial career, winning the Champions League with the club in her first full season in charge.

Bompastor knows what it takes to win at the elite level of the game, but she also has another valuable experience under her belt, having been Lyon’s academy director for eight years before becoming head coach. As a result, she knows what those young players need to progress to the senior level and has helped to develop many of them during her two years in charge of the first team.

Chelsea have an extremely fruitful academy packed with talent and Bompastor could help to unlock the potential of that, with the Blues not always giving those youngsters tons of opportunities simply because of how stacked the first-team squad is.

The big question, though, is whether or not Bompastor would be ready to leave Lyon. It’s a club she loves and has spent a lot of time with, and she is only in her third full season as a head coach. It doesn’t feel like she’s quite finished there yet, even if to take over at Chelsea would be an enticing proposition.

Chases do not come easier than the 106 Middlesex asked Surrey to knock off and the hosts did not have to break sweat in ensuring success

Will Macpherson at Kia Oval03-Jul-2015
ScorecardKumar Sangakkara saw Surrey home in a small chase•PA PhotosMany very real battles took place at the Kia Oval on Friday night. Spectators battled end-of-week queues on tubes and roads to make it into the ground, then further queues to make it to the equally congested bars. Stewards battled those spectators as they grew restless and unruly, sculpting their beer snakes and shouting their chants.The crowd – barely a spare seat was visible – can claim emphatic victories in both. That they then stuck around in their thousands at play’s end to watch and cheer some of their number sprint across the outfield – battling, as ever, those unfortunate, officious stewards – suggested that they felt somewhat shortchanged by the action in the middle.Out in the middle, either side of the “mascot derby” – adults dressed as furry animals from sports club across London and perhaps the closest the crowd came to seeing actual sport – came the cricket. Chases do not come easier than the 106 Middlesex asked Surrey to knock off and the hosts were not about to break sweat in ensuring success. Middlesex were abject, for the second time in as many days, and have a seventh consecutive defeat in the format to show for it.Insights

Zafar Ansari produced the sort of intelligent containing bowling performance that explains quite why he is so highly regarded in South London and beyond. Brought into the attack with Gubbins and Malan set and just after Batty’s first over had cost 12, Ansari dried things up and picked up three crucial wickets too. He varied his flight and pace and bowled just short of a hittable length that meant his 24 deliveries yielded 17 singles and seven dots, including those three scalps.

The similarities with their defeat to Sussex across town on Thursday were striking. Once again they batted first, lost wickets frequently, failed to clear the rope enough – seven times to Thursday’s nine – and posted a target wildly under par. They did not score a boundary in the final 80 deliveries of their 120, and no batsman outside of their top three managed it. Sussex beat them with 28 balls to spare, Surrey 32.Surrey must take some credit. They fielded like hawks and bowled parsimoniously, giving Middlesex no rope. The sight of Kumar Sangakkara, 38 this year and a wicketkeeper by trade, haring round from long-off, diving full stretch and flicking the ball up to James Burke in order to save two runs off the bowling of Sam Curran just about epitomised Surrey’s effort.Middlesex’s start did not tell of the inadequacy to come. The runs didn’t flow, but wickets didn’t tumble. Paul Stirling skied Sam Curran to Zafar Ansari at cover before Dawid Malan, who pulled with disdain, shared 40 with the organised Nick Gubbins, who pulled then cut Burke for boundaries. The pair ran sharply as Malan looked to dominate but never quite could, carting Gareth Batty for a cow-bound six in his first over nevertheless.But when Ansari joined Batty in the attack the runs dried up and the rot set in. Gubbins skied the first ball of Batty’s second when trying to follow Malan to the short cow fence, taking on a strong breeze that held it up and saw him caught. Even then, a handy enough platform had been laid at 55 for 2.Eoin Morgan scratched and couldn’t settle before being bowled by Ansari as Middlesex contrived to lose six wickets for 13 runs and end all hopes of a contest. Simpson was bowled by Batty, Malan – who had acted as the innings’ glue – sent Ansari straight to long-on and Neil Dexter attempted to turn a sharp turner to leg next ball and was bowled. Ansari was outstanding, varying his lengths trickily to make each delivery tough to hit.Young bowlers – men who should not be required to bat in a game this short – Harry Podmore and Ravi Patel saw the line and were determined to limp over it, taking Middlesex to the last over with a series of singles and the occasional two before the latter was castled by Tom Curran. It had been a sorry showing indeed.In reply, Jason Roy did as Jason Roy does, but Surrey were in no hurry. He flashed through off and attempted a switch hit, while his pinch-hitting partner Tom Curran – perhaps a permanent fixture up top in this format now – sent Gurjit Sandhu over long-off for six. He then moved to 16 with a French cut off Podmore, who gained his revenge by bowling him four balls later. Roy would follow, also bowled, attempting an audacious ramp.Wise old heads Sangakkara and Gary Wilson new they needn’t rush. Sangakkara strolled to 12 off 17 before hunting Patel. There was a sweep for four, a bunt over long-on for six and a pulled four. Stirling and Malan were given a bowl as the action wound down and the crowd ramped up, both were dispatched by Sangakkara and the game was up. Middlesex can forget this competition once more but Surrey – up to sixth now – might just be on the charge.

Four years after leaving Signal Iduna Park, the American is back for a huge Champions League match as a key player for the Rossoneri

The prodigal son is returning. Well, at least one of them. Borussia Dortmund have had a whole bunch of prodigal sons over the last few years, perhaps more than any other club. Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho… it's a wild list.

This story, though, is about Christian Pulisic. Once a rising star at Dortmund, now a key figure at AC Milan. And, on Wednesday, Pulisic will return to Signal Iduna Park four years after he initially left the club in search of a next step.

That step came at Chelsea, but it was one full of highs and lows. It was one that produced a Champions League trophy, but it's also one that saw Pulisic's career stop and start more times than he can count. Despite the team's success, Pulisic's career at Chelsea never quite went the way everyone expected it to.

And that leads us here. Now a star with AC Milan, Pulisic is beginning to look like the player many knew he could be when he left Dortmund all those years ago, and he could play a key role as his current and former employers prepare for an absolutely humongous Champions League clash.

Getty ImagesA boy arrives

It feels hard to believe, but it's been nearly nine years since Pulisic first signed with Borussia Dortmund. Much has changed in that time, and that was the aim of it all when Pulisic first moved to Germany at age 16. The goal wasn't to follow the typical path set out for him in American soccer; it was to blaze a new trail and become the new face of the U.S. men's national team.

That process began in Dortmund and, in some ways, it began faster than many could have expected. Less than a year after arriving, Pulisic was tossed into the first team, making his debut after the Bundesliga's winter break. He never looked back from that moment, becoming something of a regular for Dortmund in the coming years.

We know how it all went: 127 appearances, 19 goals and a DFB-Pokal later, Pulisic had proven himself at one of Germany's biggest clubs. He was also beginning to prove himself as an American soccer star, the phoenix to emerge from the ashes of the 2018 World Cup failure to lead a new generation that, ultimately, proved itself in 2022.

In January 2019, though, it was confirmed that Pulisic would be moving on, as he agreed to a deal to move to Chelsea the following summer for a record-breaking £58 million (€64m/$73m) transfer fee. In the process, he became the most expensive American player ever and Dortmund's second-biggest sale, behind only Dembele.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesUps and downs at Chelsea

If there was a word to describe Pulisic's life at Chelsea, and the Blues in general over the last few years, it would be 'inconsistent'. There were highs, of course, especially early on. Brought in to replace Eden Hazard, Pulisic showed glimpses of being able to do just that, notably during the club's run to the 2020-21 Champions League.

Pulisic, however, never locked down a regular spot on the field and, by the end, was buried behind a plethora of other big-money attacking signings. There was never really a period where Pulisic got the consistent run of games needed, whether due to injury, managerial changes or overall Chelsea chaos.

By the end, all involved were ready to move on. Chelsea had spent big on new attackers, and there's no end in sight to that pursuit. Pulisic, meanwhile, clearly needed a fresh start. So, after four seasons, 26 goals and three trophies, Pulisic said goodbye to Stamford Bridge and hello to San Siro.

Getty ImagesLifeline in Milan

By joining Milan, Pulisic didn't have to take a step backwards. No, this was a step sideways and, depending on how you look at it, maybe a step forward.

Milan are in the Champions League, after all. They were semi-finalists last season and Serie A champions the year before. For years, Italy's giants were relatively dormant, but over the last few campaigns, they've shown signs of life.

This summer, with stars like Sandro Tonali and Brahim Diaz on the way out, the club went out and added a few new pieces. Samuel Chukwueze was one, as was Pulisic's USMNT team-mate Yunus Musah. However, the American winger was the big one, signed for a reported €20 million (£17m/$22m). Thus far, that move has looked like a stroke of genius for both Milan and Pulisic.

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GettyLife in Italy (so far)

Serie A has been a good landing spot for Pulisic. He scored in his first two appearances, netting against Bologna and Torino in a pair of wins to start the season. There was a bit of a blip after the international break, but Pulisic was back among the goals on Saturday, scoring the opener in a 2-0 win over Lazio.

The goals are good, particularly for a player that will take every chance to boost his confidence after years in and out of the Chelsea XI. But that's just one part of all of this; the other is how he's getting them.

For the first time in a while, Pulisic has been able to bring his USMNT swagger to the club level. He's playing with purpose, not fear, as he continues to create danger for Milan. He already has a relationship with Olivier Giroud from Chelsea, and with Rafael Leao drawing plenty of eyeballs on the other wing, Pulisic has been free to do what he does best. His most recent goal came via a Leao cross, ensuring that he heads into this Champions League reunion in good form.

As the season reaches its halfway point across the continent, Goal puts together an XI of the best the top leagues have to offer

The first half of the 2017-18 campaign has consisted of some incredible performances from Europe's top stars.

As competition among the continent's leagues heats up, the best players are making themselves known as they battle for silverware.

Now around the halfway mark of the campaign, Goal has put together an XI of the best performers across the top divisions so far.

Playing Surface1The full XIAnd here's how they line up…AdvertisementGetty2Kylian Mbappe

The 19-year-old's impact at Paris Saint-Germain since making the big move from Monaco in the close season has been incredible and he has further established himself as the brightest young player around. Neymar may be the big star in Parc des Princes at the moment, but Mbappe looks even better at times with his classy performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Mbappe has eight goals and as many assists in the French top flight with another four and three respectively in Europe.

Ian MacNicol3Harry KaneThe Tottenham striker is in the middle of yet another incredible season. He continues to break records and, with 18 goals from 19 games in the English top flight along with a further six in five Champions League appearances, his stature is constantly increasing. Speculation of a £200 million move to Real Madrid will not be dying down any time soon at this rate.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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4Mohamed SalahThe Egypt international has been sensational since joining from Roma in the summer. The 22 goals he has directly contributed to – 17 goals and five assists – is more than almost half of the league's teams have scored in total. The 25-year-old has been the perfect addition to play alongside Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane and will have a huge say in the conclusion to their domestic Premier and Champions League campaign.

Morocco are gearing up for a battle with Real Madrid for the rights to host the 2030 World Cup final, it has been reported.

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Spain, Portugal & Morocco to hostFinal venue yet to be announcedMadrid and Morocco both candidatesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2030 edition of the tournament will be held across Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu has been regarded as the most likely destination for the final, but reports the African nation has made a bid to pip the Spanish capital to it.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The trio of host nations were announced earlier this month. It is the first time that three countries from two continents have hosted the tournament.

However, the competition will spill over to another continent and three more countries, as commemorative matches will take place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup.

WHAT THEY SAID

FIFA has not yet made a decision on where the final will be held, but it had been expected that Madrid's stadium would win out. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti backed the plan, saying earlier this month: "The World Cup final has to be in Madrid, because it’s the capital of Spain, and in the Bernabeu because it will be the best stadium in the world. I think it’s very good for Spanish football and for this country. The happiness of this news isn’t going to be affected by some games being played in South America, Portugal or Morocco, it’s very good news."

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

FIFA still has to declare where the final for the 2026 World Cup final will be held, too. That competition will be stretched across Canada, United States and Mexico.

Bruno Fernandes' behaviour as Manchester United captain has again been questioned, with ex-forward Andy Cole labelling his actions "disrespectful".

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Fernandes' captaincy often questionedCole labels actions "disrespectful"But feels there is no better options to leadWHAT HAPPENED?

Erik ten Hag's side have thus far endured a 2023-24 campaign to forget, with their sixth-placed standing papering over many cracks both on and off the pitch. Fernandes has been one of many United players denigrated, not least for his petulant actions as club captain. Red Devils legend Andy Cole believes such behaviour shows "disrespect" towards his team-mates – although he also pointed towards a lack of captaincy options beyond the Portugal star.

AdvertisementWHAT COLE SAID

Speaking in an interview with Betfred, the ex-United forward said: "There’s talk about Bruno Fernandes not being the right choice for captain, but if you look around the Manchester United dressing room currently, then who else would you give the captaincy to instead? There’s not four or five standout contenders. Bruno leads in a different way and I understand it. I can also understand that people don’t want to see a captain waving his arms about in frustration, which I personally believe is disrespectful to his teammates, but at this moment in time, he’s the man and he will captain the side in a way which he believes is beneficial to himself and his teammates.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Fernandes' weaknesses as a leader were clear to see while on recent international duty, as he was met with some bemused responses from Portugal team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva following a half-time discussion. Fernandes did, however, provide a vital spark against Iceland on the pitch, and United fans will be hopeful he can transfer this form to club level and turn around what has been a disappointing start to the campaign.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES?

After completing a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign under Roberto Martinez, the United skipper will return to work under Ten Hag as his United side prepare to take on Everton on Sunday. The Dutchman will be hoping to make it three straight victories in the league against a side who will be rallied by their severe points deduction.

he Pakistan Cricket Board will conduct an internal investigation after a few national players participated in exhibition T20 matches in the United States of America alongside banned legspinner Danish Kaneria

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Apr-2014The Pakistan Cricket Board will conduct an internal investigation after a few national players participated in exhibition T20 matches in the United States of America alongside banned legspinner Danish Kaneria. The investigation is aimed at finding how the players participated in the matches, which are not organised by the USACA, without a No Objection Certificate from the board and played the game with a banned player.Kaneria was handed a life ban by the ECB in 2012 for spot-fixing and the ban prevents him from playing in matches under the ECB’s jurisdiction. Kaneria, however, has been participating in exhibition T20 leagues in the United States and played a match with Wahab Riaz and Nasir Jamshed last week in Houston, Texas. Fawad Alam, Abdul Razzaq and Shahzaib Hasan are also under investigation.””We are looking into how these players featured in these matches – authorised or unauthorised – without our permission,” Subhan Ahmed, PCB’s COO told .It is a common occurrence for a few Pakistan players to feature in pop-up T20 tournaments across the United States, which are organised locally and are unofficial in nature. Kaneria has participated in such tournaments before.The legspinner was banned for his role in a spot-fixing case during a 2009 county match between Essex and Durham.

Full text of Lou Vincent’s statement

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2014″My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat.”I have abused my position as a professional sportsman on a number of occasions by choosing to accept money in fixing.”I have lived with this dark secret for so many years, but months ago I reached the point where I decided I had to come forward and tell the truth.”It’s a truth that has rightly caused uproar and controversy in New Zealand and around the world. I have shamed my country, I have shamed my sport, I have shamed those close to me. And for that, I am not proud.”I lost faith in myself, in the game, I abused the game I loved. I had to put things right.”Speaking out, exposing the truth, laying bare the things I have done wrong, is the only way I could find to begin to put things right.”The time has come for me now to face them like a man and accept the consequences – whatever they may be.”I could not live with my wrongdoings any longer and after meeting my future wife Susie, after learning what unconditional love really is, I felt strong enough to tell her what I’d done and she has helped me take the painful steps in telling my parents, my wider family and then the authorities.”I am proud of the ones I love, especially my immediate family and friends. Their strength, support and forgiveness has enabled me to address some of the deepest, most uncomfortable issues one can face.”I can finally look my children in the eyes and tell them that honesty is the best policy – even if it feels like the hardest thing to do at times.”I now believe in myself as a person again and I don’t wake up every morning hating myself.”Today is the day I offer my deepest, deepest apologies to the public and the cricketing world, to the loyal fans, to the dedicated coaches, staff, players past and present.”I apologise to and thank the ACSU for the help and support that is out there for all players, that has helped me a great deal, Chris Morris and his legal team and all the associations that have handled the sensitive situation with professionalism and respect.”The people who know me know I’m vulnerable, but they also know that I am not stupid. And I know what is right and what is wrong.”I do suffer from depression – that is absolutely no excuse for all I’ve done wrong.”I used to think mistakes were made by bad people, but now I even know that good people can make the worst of mistakes.”My actions I will regret for the rest of my life.”For sport to prosper, it is up to players to police the game, because they are the ones that will ultimately lose out and allow themselves to be used as pawns to make money.”No one should ever be put in a position and no one should ever allow themselves to forget what sport is about and let money rule their decisions.”The decisions I made were wrong. Players must be better than that; above reproach, for the fans, for the sport.”For the first time in a very long time I feel positive about my future, I am finally becoming the man I want to be. I have to face up to my wrongs and make them right.”I have kept my head down for too long now and it’s time to man up to my mistakes and today, I can stand with a better conscience because I know I am doing the right thing.”It is entirely my fault and I’ll never be able to stand in front of a game again, it’s entirely my fault that I will not be able to apply my skills in a positive way to help future cricketers, but it is entirely possible that I can use this moment to convince others not to be tempted by wrongdoing.”To do the right thing for themselves, for family and friends and for the sport they love.”I accept my punishment.”