Waugh given 24 hours to agree to interviews

The Australian Cricket Board today announced that Mark Waugh would be withdrawn from the Australian team unless he agrees to cooperate with ACB and ICC investigators by 4.00 pm tomorrow.

ACB Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, said that the investigations being carried out underpin the aggressive stance taken by the ACB to fight the threat of corruption in the game and it is essential that Mark cooperate to ensure that the interests of the game are protected.

"No one should doubt the resolve of the Australian Cricket Board to deal with these issues. We are prepared to take all the necessary steps to get to the bottom of these allegations and to fulfil our obligation to protect and defend the game of cricket," said Mr Speed.

"This is not a course of action that the ACB takes lightly and I implore Mark and his lawyers to agree to speak with the investigators.

I have provided Mark's lawyers with the additional information that they have requested and I would now hope that they agree to take part in these interviews.

"However, with a game on Friday, it is clear that the matter must be resolved by tomorrow night in order for us to be satisfied that we are fulfilling our obligations to the great game of cricket."

Any action taken by the Directors would be under Clause 6 of the ACB By-Laws which clearly state that the ACB Directors must approve the team nominated by the selectors and that this approval may be withdrawn at any time.