27 October,2011 07:33 AM IST | | A Correspondent
Justice Cooke resumed his summing-up of the alleged spot-fixing trial yesterday and issued the jury an advisory with regards to former Pakistan paceman Mohammad Asif's excuse for bowling a no-ball during last year's Lord's Test, ESPNCricinfo reported.
On the 16th morning of the case, the judge made his comment to the jury before starting a full review of evidence heard in court so far. He reminded the jury that during his initial police interview, Asif didn't volunteer the evidence he gave while under oath week. Asif had told the court that Butt had abused him before the no-ball at Lord's.
Justice Cooke explained to the jury that both Asif and Butt were made aware that "it may harm your defence if you do not mention something you later rely on in court..." That was a stern warning for the duo! The summing up was expected to finish late yesterday or early today, before the jury is released to decide upon a verdict, according to the report.
Former Test captain Salman Butt and Asif are facing charges of conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments following the Lord's Test last year, when they allegedly conspired with agent Mazhar Majeed and Mohammad Amir to bowl pre-planned no-balls.
