What do we want from cricketers?

What do we want from cricketers at the top level? Do we want them to play fairly or do we expect them to take every opportunity to deceive the umpires, the opposition and everyone watching?

Today there was the perfect example of why players, when they do not play within the Spirit of the game, should be cited by the Match Referee (See my article in November 2007). Andrew Symonds edged a ball to the India wicketkeeper and stood his ground, having turned and watched the ball disappear into the wicketkeeper's gloves - often a tell tale reaction when a batsman knows that he has hit the ball. Despite the loud appeal the umpire gave a not out decision. Television replays made it quite clear that Symonds had hit the ball and that there was no doubt that the ball had easily carried to the wicketkeeper. Indeed, in an interview later, Symonds acknowledged that he had hit the ball, but justified his decision to stand his ground by saying that he had been given out on occasions when he had not hit the ball. He saw his actions as merely evening things up.

Compare this incident with the occasion when Adam Gilchrist, one of Symonds' team-mates, 'walked' in the semi-final of an ICC World Cup in South Africa. He knew that he had gloved the ball and went without waiting for the umpire's decision.

Which of these two players do we believe was acting in the Spirit of Cricket? There will be some, undoubtedly, who will attempt to justify the actions of Symonds by saying that the umpire is there to make such decisions. They will say it is an individual's choice as to whether he should walk or not. They will agree that umpires make mistakes and that the players will get some good and some bad decisions, so it is only right to take the rough with the smooth and to capitalise when the wrong decision goes in your favour.

Conversely, others will say that 'not walking' is tantamount to cheating; that this aspect of cricket causes more frustration and antagonism amongst the players of the fielding team; that it increases the pressure on the umpires; that there is no difference in hitting the ball in the air to the fielders in front of the wicket, when generally batsmen 'walk', from hitting it in the air to the wicketkeeper.

This has always been an issue which has divided players. However, as players or spectators, we constantly say that it is important that the correct decision is taken. Players have the opportunity to help to achieve more correct decisions if they 'walk' when they edge the ball. It is disappointing when they decide that their own score or the team's position is of greater importance than the game itself. Although it is understandable that professional cricketers, who are employed and paid to achieve results, should strive for personal success, if the Spirit of Cricket is really to prevail it is vital that players are made to accept their responsibilities. This is where administrators should be stronger and say unequivocally how players should act.

Administrators should consider whether technology can help to keep players honest. Match Referees should be told to cite batsmen who have clearly hit the ball and have not 'walked' when the ball has been cleanly caught.

Roger Knight