MacLaurin: Stewart is in the clear

Alec Stewart has no case to answer over match-fixing allegations - according to England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Lord MacLaurin.

The English game's most powerful administrator told Radio 5 Live today he is convinced Stewart is "absolutely clear" of involvement in the worldwide scandal that has rocked cricket in recent months.

Former England captain Stewart was named in an Indian government report on match-fixing this month but denied allegations that he took money in exchange for information from a bookmaker.

Stewart is currently involved in England's Test series in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, MacLaurin is preparing to meet International Cricket Council anti-corruption unit chief Sir Paul Condon - but Stewart will not be on the agenda.

MacLaurin said: "We'll talk about things in general. As far as I'm concerned, Alec Stewart is absolutely clear.

"I had a long conversation with him when it first arose some 10 days ago and I've said to Alec 'You get on and do what you do best'.

"For the moment Stewart's case is absolutely closed. I have no doubt at all that if anything comes out in the future Sir Paul will come and talk to us about it.

"But at the moment the matter is closed."