TWO former Worcestershire County cricket players have been reprimanded and given retrospective suspensions over their involvement in a WhatsApp group at the centre of a rape trial.

Joe Clarke and Tom Kohler-Cadmore were part of the group which shared disrespectful messages about women.

The England and Wales Cricket Board last week charged the pair, who play for Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire respectively.

On Thursday, the Cricket Discipline Commission announced its verdict.

The duo were named during the trial of former Worcestershire all-rounder Alex Hepburn as part of a social media group where the members took part in a 'game' to collect as many sexual conquests as possible.

Hepburn was found guilty of rape and sentenced to five years in prison in April but there is no suggestion that Clarke or Kohler-Cadmore's behaviour was in any way criminal.

Clarke and Kohler-Cadmore admitted a charge of acting against the interests of cricket and will attend an educational training course.

Both were given four-game bans which were served when they were omitted from England Lions duty in January.

"I acknowledge that what I did fell well below the standards expected of a professional sportsman. I am relieved I can now put this chapter behind me," Clarke said.

Kohler-Cadmore added: "I deeply regret my involvement in the WhatsApp group in 2017 that led to me being charged by the ECB.

I fully accept the subsequent punishment and I now want to move forward with the rest of my career and life in a positive manner."