SETTLE run-machine Surendra Bhave has jumped to the defence of fellow Indian professional Ajay Sharma in the wake of fresh allegations regarding match-fixing.

The new Padiham professional Sharma has admitted strong links with former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin, who is being widely investigated in the betting scandal.

But Sharma steadfastly denies any involvement in the controversy and insists he is merely a friend of the former Indian captain.

And Bhave has warned people not to make any judgements about the player without hearing the full facts first.

"There has been fingers pointed at various players and you cannot say it is right until something has been proven," said Bhave.

"People should wait and see what happens at the meeting in London before jumping to conclusions.

"I've only ever played two international games and whatever cricket I have played is far away from the level these boys play at.

"So I don't really know what's happening at a higher level but I'm sure there has been nothing untoward going on at domestic level.

"I've played domestic cricket for 14 years and I have never seen anything going on."

Meanwhile, Bhave looks set for another prolific season with the bat after scoring a century in Settle's win over Barnoldswick at the weekend.

The Indian, who scored 1246 runs last season, hammered 102 in his side's total of 185-4 as Settle won convincingly by 107 runs. "I enjoyed that," said Bhave.

"It was a wet track but I seemed to time everything very well.

"We always knew 185 on that track was going to be enough and so it proved."

Bhave again has his eye on the golden 1,000 run mark this summer and he also believes Settle could become a force.

"I just want us to be somewhere near mid-table or even higher if possible.

"And if I could chip in with 1,500 to 1,600 runs then all the better.

"But I certainly think we will be more competitive this year.

"We've got Dave Jolleys back and everybody is happy about that because he can bowl 15 or 20 overs in a game.

"And if we can get a few more players to rally around the likes of Dave, Mark Verden and myself then we will do okay."

This weekend, Settle travel to Blackburn Northern on Saturday before entertaining Read at Marshfield on Sunday.

"I've heard a lot about Blackburn Northern's pro Ata-ur-Rehman although I've never faced him.

"As for the rest of their team, I don't know how strong they will be because I don't know who they have gained or lost.

"But I am definitely looking forward to facing Read on Sunday.

"That is one we really want to win."