Australia's tough line in the Mark Waugh case has been backed by England's cricket chief, Lord MacLaurin.

The Australian Cricket Board has set a 24-hour deadline for Waugh to declare his intentions to speak to the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit, led by Sir Paul Condon.

MacLaurin, chairman of the ECB, said: "I have no doubt at all that the Australian board will take as strong a position as I would on it. When lawyers get involved they will always advise their clients to step back initially, but I will be surprised if Mark does not speak to Sir Paul and the powers-that-be in Australia."

MacLaurin went on to back the selection of Sir Paul as head of the anti-corruption unit. "The appointment of Sir Paul… was an inspired choice. We couldn't have anybody better.

"He's widely respected right the way round the world. All the Test-playing nations endorsed his appointment and I think there is a determination in every board.

"Sir Paul has said this is not the Derby; this is a long-running situation and it will take a while to clear up."

It is alleged that Waugh received money in return for team and weather information in 1993.

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