Cairns cleared of perjury

Former New Zealand and Nottinghamshire cricketer Chris Cairns has been cleared of perjury and perverting the course of justice.

Mr Cairns, 45, was accused at Southwark Crown Court of falsely declaring under oath during a 2012 libel case that he had "never, ever cheated at cricket".

Speaking after the verdict, Mr Cairns, from Auckland, said: "It's not a victory as such because in a case like this, I really don't think there are any winners. It's been hell for everybody involved.

"I think reputationally I'm completely scorched, burned completely, but it hasn't stopped me and it won't stop me."

Cricket's loss

Asked if he would work in the sport again, he replied, "No, no, no", adding: "It's my choice. I think it would be quite a hard environment to go back into. There has been a lot of damage done and I think that's unfortunate."

Kiwi captain wrong

Brendon McCullum, the current New Zealand captain, also gave evidence against Mr Cairns, accusing him of twice asking him to fix matches - the first time in Kolkata, India, the second in Worcester.

Mr Cairns acknowledged both meetings had taken place, but said there was nothing sinister about them and Mr McCullum's version of events was wrong.

He told the jury there was "no truth" to allegations he had tried to persuade his team-mate Mr Vincent to join him in cheating, and was "shocked" that Mr McCullum could accuse him of trying to recruit him to fix results.

BBC Sport