Shocked Stewart describes 'one of my hardest days'

At a press conference arranged today at the England cricket team's hotel in Rawalpindi, Alec Stewart, who has been named in the inquiry report published by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India, denied taking any part in match fixing.

He said: " I have categorically denied all allegations. I was totally shocked when I was told about this in a telephone call the day before yesterday from Star Sports in India. To be honest I have been in a state of shock ever since."

"Yesterday was one of the hardest days I have encountered in my life and hopefully it will clear itself up sooner rather than later."

When suggested that it was the word of the bookmaker, M.K. Gupta, against his and that 'there is no smoke without fire' and that his reputation will be tainted now, he replied: "People are entitlled to their opinions and I don't have a problem with that. My reputation within the game, and hopefully when I have finished playing, will be a good one and I will be remembered as a very good English cricketer throughout the world."

He went on to say: "I am very much in favour of Sir Paul Condon and whatever he is going to do with match fixing. I am sure he will investigate all matters very thoroughly."

"There has been a lot of support for me ever since. Loads of friendship messages either directly to me or through my family back home."

Speaking about the effect of the incident on the current tour he said: "I have to take this in my stride, it's far from pleasant. The last two days have been the worst I have experienced. I'd like to think I have a strong personality and I will come through all this."

He added: "I have never come across anyone who has approached me in connection with match fixing or getting information and never knowingly met this man (Gupta)."

Stewart also said that he had never been "offered any money or a present of any kind for giving any information whatsoever."

Finally, in reply to a question about whether he would be prepared to take a lie detector test, he replied: "Listen, Sir Paul Condon is investigating, I am going to be co-operating with him fully if and when I am asked to do so."