IT has been a sorry week for all those who love the game of cricket.

An English summer that witnessed a test series advertised as the MCC Spirit of Cricket series has been rocked in the last few days by the allegations contained within the News of the World.

For those of you who have been on the moon these last few days the allegations appear to centre on a claim that a number of the Pakistan players accepted payment to deliberately bowl no-balls on certain deliveries in the last test match at Lord's.

It is too early in the matter and frankly I don't know enough about it to add my tuppence on the matter. There has been more than enough written on it and will continue to be written on it in the next few days and weeks.

All I will add is that a detect a real sadness from all sides that this matter has occurred and continues to raise its ugly head. Perhaps now it will be dealt with in a thorough manner but I have to say I am not overly hopeful.

So I'll try it from another angle. Here are just some of the questions that will be fascinating to see if they are answered in the near future. Will the named players participate in the ODI series? If so, how will England's players respond? How will their teammates feel? How will the English supporters respond? How will the Pakistani supporters respond?

If found guilty, what should the punishment be? A ban for life or do you offer an olive branch? Who will want to play Pakistan in future?

If found innocent, will Pakistan wish to tour England again? The last two tours will have finished in unfortunate circumstances.

Let's move on. The decision to omit Kevin Peterson from the Twenty20 and ODI series has ignited quite a discussion.

Former international Darren Gough has been quite vocal in his criticism of the decision stating that the selectors should stick with him as they have with the likes of Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook.

However, I have to say that I think it's a decision that will benefit 'KP'.

First, the facts: 285 runs in 16 ODI innings (highest score of 48, average 18) since the start of 2009. 861 runs in 24 completed test innings, six 50s (highest score of 99, average 36) since April 2009. This includes the 2009 Ashes series.

He needs time in the middle and a couple of four-day county games away from the goldfish bowl of attention he normally has to deal with could be ideal.

Certainly, I have to see that as more beneficial that any runs he may score in an international t20 thrash.

A quick word about Peter Fulton. I felt very sorry for him that he had to leave early and return to Canterbury after injuring his hamstring recently.

I'm sure he was deeply disappointed to have to leave early I know he is highly regarded at the club for his efforts both on and off the pitch.

That's all for now.

Until next week,

Wheels