Ex-Essex cricketer Mervyn Westfield faces fraud trial

Image caption, The allegation relates to Mr Westfield's performance during a 40-over match between Essex and Durham

A former Essex cricketer will face trial charged with conspiracy to defraud over a spot betting allegation.

Mervyn Westfield, 22, of Chelmsford, is accused of acting dishonestly during a one-day 40-over match between Durham and Essex on 5 September 2009.

Mr Westfield, who is on bail, is alleged to have agreed to bowl his first over to allow the scoring of a certain number of runs.

Old Bailey judge Mr Justice Saunders set the trial date for 12 January 2012.