by Anton Johan
The relationship between England and Pakistan cricket bodies reached an all time low, after two players came to blows on the field at Lord's.
Jonathan Trott grabbed Pakistan player, Wahab Riaz by the throat, and the two had to be separated by England batting coach, Graham Gooch.
The problems began after investigations of spot fixing were brought against three Pakistan cricketers, Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir, who were eventually suspended.
The English Cricket Board decided to go ahead and complete the tour, despite the fact that it had lost all credibility and many believed that more corruption would take place.
During the tour, the Pakistan Cricket Board chief, Iljaz Butt, probably in a bid to save face, announced that England had 'thrown' the third one-day match at the Oval.
England's players mulled the option of not playing after that inflammatory remark, but finally agreed to end the tour "through gritted teeth".
However, the tension proved too much between the two teams, resulting in the altercations between Trott and the Pakistan player.
Trott reportedly asked the Pakistan bowler on the field: "How much are you going to make from the bookies on this game?"
Insults were exchanged before the argument turned physical, beginning with cricket pads being thrown at one another.
After being separated by the coach, both players were taken before the referee, given a warning and returned to the game.
It was announced yesterday that the manager of the Pakistan cricket team, Yawar Saeed, has quit, following allegations of match fixing.
