PAKISTAN’S players have been told by corruption busters to remove their smart watches during the First Test.
An ICC official visited the Pakistan dressing-room at Lord’s at close of play – just two hours after they routed England for 184 all out.
It came after a couple of players were seen wearing what appeared to be Apple watches or similar electronic timepieces, which can access the internet and send messages.
There is no suggestion anybody from the Pakistan camp has done anything wrong.
OH MY LORD England skittled for 184 on nightmare first day of summer against Pakistan
But bowler Hasan Ali, who took four wickets, confirmed: “An anti-corruption person from the ICC came to us and said they are not allowed. Next time, nobody will wear them.”
Three Pakistan players – former captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif – went to prison after a scandal involving deliberate no-balls during the Lord’s Test in 2010.
Under ICC regulations, all players and most backroom staff have to hand in their mobile ‘phones before play until after stumps.
The ICC said that Apple watches or similar devices capable of receiving messages are not allowed.
Pakistan’s bowlers certainly made England’s batting go pear-shaped despite a supposedly new-look order and approach.
Only Alastair Cook, who scored 70 as he equalled Aussie Allan Border’s record of 153 consecutive Tests, resisted for long.
Pakistan finished day one with 50-1 – just 134 runs behind with nine wickets intact.
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Captain Joe Root was caught behind for four when he edged a big drive at a wide ball.
Cook said: “It was nice to get some runs, but frustrating to do the hard work and not go on to score a century.
“I’ve been playing nicely for Essex this summer. A few things had crept into my game and I’ve been trying to get my weight into the ball more.
“The ball did swing and nip around throughout the day. Pakistan bowled good lines and lengths and got their rewards.
“All batsman play bad shots at times. You don’t mean to nick it. But Joe averages 50 in Test cricket and is a great player.”
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