Gibbs turns focus back to cricket

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South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs was back on the field on Friday a day after being questioned by Indian police about match-fixing allegations.

Batsman Gibbs made 18 in a Champions Trophy warm-up match in Mumbai.

"Herschelle is now concentrating on what he does best - playing cricket," said team spokesman Gordon Templeton.

Gibbs could face a further police interview but it will not take place until South Africa's involvement in the Champions Trophy is ended.

The 32-year-old answered questions in Delhi for two and a half hours on Thursday about a match in India six years ago in which he agreed to under-perform in exchange for money.

He has already served a six-month suspension imposed following the King Commission hearings in South Africa later that year.

As a result of Gibbs's answers, police are now seeking permission to question three former South Africa cricketers.

Two of them have not been identified, but the third, spin bowler Derek Crookes, has wasted no time in issuing a denial of any involvement in match-fixing.

"I have never had anything to hide," Crookes has been quoted as saying.

Crookes took 1-69 from 10 overs in Nagpur in March 2000

"I will be more than willing to make a statement, along with my legal team, to the Indian police.

"The only reason I can think of for them wanting to link me in some way to match-fixing is that I opened the bowling on that day in Nagpur."

Crookes did not think it strange when skipper Hansie Cronje decided to give him the new ball as he had performed the same role on occasions at provincial level.

"I had no idea that it might have something to do with match-fixing or that some guys would be betting on it," he commented.

South Africa coach Micky Arthur, meanwhile, said Gibbs had come through the ordeal of questioning "quite well".

He added: "Now everything is behind us and we are looking forward.

"He is a class player and integral to our one-day side. We wanted our best side available for this tournament. We are very happy that he has got closure."

South Africa play their opening Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Mumbai on Monday.