Spot fixing in cricket: How does it work

Bengaluru, December 14: The third Ashes Test between Australia and England is marred by allegations of spot fixing raised by the UK-based tabloid The Sun.

So what's the difference between spot-fixing and match-fixing? How does spot-fixing work?

The modus operandi

The spot-fixing works through a mutual agreement between a cricketer and a bookie. Unlike match-fixing, this form of fixing is more on individual level and that much harder to identify.

How does a player conveys to bookie while on the field?

Usually, it happens at the start of an over. The player signals through turning his wrist watch or head gear or arm band. He may also signal his readiness to start the process by doing a round of stretching exercises or placing towel on his trouser. These are normal actions on a cricket field but in this context carries a deeper and malicious motive.

The 'fixed' passage

As per set agreement, a bowler can bowl a no-ball or full-toss in one designated ball of an over and the bookie can start live betting accordingly. More often than not, the bookie gets the money.

How does a bookie identify the player?

It's a long process as a bookie or his agents watch several players of a team to spot the vulnerable ones. Then they approach him/them with various offers to make big and easy quids.

Players caught and banned

S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, Ankeet Chavan, Hiken Shah, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamir, Salman Butt, Mohammad Ashraful, Danish Kaneria, Lou Vincent, Sharjeel Khan, Marlon Samuels are a few names.