Cricket Australia claims Dean Reynolds’ $4m sex harassment claim is ‘excessive’

Cricket Australia will defend itself against claims by a former teenage batting star he was molested by a coach on tour.

Cricketer Dean Reynolds, right, practising with his father Ray

Cricket Australia has denied it breached a duty of care following claims by a former teenage cricketer he was sexually molested by his Australian team coach.

Former Australian under-19 captain and star batsman Dean Reynolds is suing Cricket Australia for $4m, alleging coach Bob Bitmead sexually assaulted him on the Under-19 Australian tour of India and Sri Lanka in 1985.

Cricket Australia has filed a defence in Queensland’s Supreme Court, claiming the $4m claim is “excessive’’ and that CA “remains uncertain of the truth or otherwise’’ of the allegations after making “reasonable enquiries”.

The matter is set for mediation in November.

Bitmead has previously denied allegations of sexual misconduct. No charges have ever been laid.

Reynolds, 57, who made a shock retirement from cricket at just 21, claimed the alleged abuse had taken its toll.

CA has challenged the $4m claim, saying in its statement “the claim is excessive and has no proper regard to the evidence; and, any injury resulting from the subject incident (which is denied) has resolved”.

Reynolds’ $4m claim includes a sum of $1,939,000 for lost earnings. The one-time boy wonder batsman claimed in the statement he had achieved well as a school vice-captain of the Anglican Grammar School but “lost his way personally and professionally’’ after the alleged incident.

Reynolds claimed he had worked as a cleaner and room attendant but lost opportunities such as Uber driving due to an alcohol disorder.

Reynolds was a Qantas international cabin crew member for more than two decades but was stood down from his work several times due to excessive consumption of alcohol.

He was referred to drug and alcohol and mental health rehabilitation services with an alcohol disorder and depression.

Reynolds has claimed Cricket Australia (then the Australian Cricket Board) had a duty of care to protect him.

CA has argued in its statement “the nature and extent of any duty of care owned by the defendant (CA), or by Bitmead, which is not admitted, is a question of law to be determined by trial”.

In his claim statement, Reynolds, the son of former outstanding Queensland batsman Ray Reynolds, said: “That tour would ultimately change the course of my life. The events that occurred not only shattered my hopes for an international cricket career, but also had devastating consequences for me as a person – consequences I still struggle to manage and live with today.”

One of his final matches was against an Australian Cricket Academy team featuring Test bowler Brendon Julian, when Reynolds made 90 opening the batting.