James Sutherland, the chief executive officer of Cricket Australia

Betfair has already undertaken to assist the International Cricket Council in a similar way.

The internet-based firm allows clients to back a team or offer odds to other punters on the outcome of a match.

It maintains a live market through a match, with a five-day Test usually attracting more than �1m of bets.

Betfair, which allows clients to open accounts and bet online wherever they live, has similar arrangements with the Football Associationa, the Association of Tennis Professionals and the UK Jockey Club.

It has already provided details of certain clients' accounts to the Jockey Club during an investigation by them into allegations that the jockey Kieren Fallon lost races on purpose.

Clients betting on any sport could in theory offer outlandishly generous odds about any outcome they know will not happen.

Among the bets traded on Betfair during Test matches are the result itself, who will win the toss and whether he will bat or bowl, and in which session the match will finish.