London, Oct 27: The judge in the Pakistan spot-fixing trial on Wednesday asked the jury to consider whether Mohammad Asif's defence was believable, as he gave the court an excuse he had not previously mentioned it when questioned by police.
Asif and former Pakistan captain Salman Butt face charges of delivering predetermined no-balls in a test against England at Lord's last year. Butt and Asif deny the charges.
Asif told the court that his no-ball was caused by verbal abuse he had received from Butt.
Judge Jeremy Cooke reminded the jury that Asif had not mentioned that as an excuse when questioned by police before he was arrested.
Cook said both Asif and Butt were told at the time that “it may harm your defence if you do not mention something you later rely on in court.”
