The England and Wales Cricket Board added a new twist to the controversy over Marcus Trescothick's sudden departure from India by gagging the opening batsman from speaking to the press.
ECB's move reeked of a desperation to bring to an end the controversy kicked off by Trescothick's contradictory explanation this week that he left the tour due to a virus infection.
Trescothick left the Indian tour before the start of the Test series against India for what was then termed as personal reasons but the batsman said on Monday that he had been hit by a virus in Mumbai.
Only photographers were permitted for Trescothick's press conference for his county Somerset, a decision which repelled the print media journalists.
"It is unprecedented for an England cricketer to appear with an ECB minder and not even to exchange pleasantries with reporters, some of whom, down the years, have shared his favourite bangers with him.
"About 25 journalists were repelled not by the player but by Colin Gibson, the ECBs director of communications, heeding the advice of confidants of the England opening batsman, who include Neil Fairbrother, the cricketer turned agent.
"Only photographs were permitted before he was led away to visit two schools in the area", the The Times reported.
"About 25 journalists were repelled not by the player but by Colin Gibson, the ECBs director of communications, heeding the advice of confidants of the England opening batsman, who include Neil Fairbrother, the cricketer turned agent.
"Only photographs were permitted before he was led away to visit two schools in the area", the The Times reported.