New Zealand cricketing great Martin Crowe has called for “the angst and hate” to be taken out of the game.
Crowe says one lesson as cricket reflects in the aftermath of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes’ tragic death is that “the game needs to calm down”.
“Removing the lip, that negative intent, is what we can learn,” he wrote in a column for ESPNcricinfo.com.
“By all means bowl bouncers with skill and precision, but take out the angst and hate, the sledging and the media barbs, and just go out and express your version of your courage and skill for your team.”
He said cricket had become “too lippy, too edgy”.
“Let’s chill a bit in general, as a good lesson and reminder, to keep the game authentic.”
Hughes died last Thursday, three days short of his 26th birthday, after being hit on the back of the head by a bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match last Tuesday.
Crowe felt for the bowler, 22-year-old seamer Sean Abbott, who he said wasn’t guilty of “any angst, of wanting any mental disintegration in his opponent”.
He said Abbott was going about learning his trade and trying to get an in-form batsman out.
“He bowled a skilful ball, right over off stump, perfect height to challenge the pull or hook to entice a catch,” he said.
“He was doing his job earnestly.”
But Crowe believed the game would change and it would gradually become less critical to win at all costs.
“We should smile when stumps are drawn and be grateful for the day’s cricket, the genuine sharing of camaraderie between two teams,” he said.
“We can calm this game down by playing with more joy within, the kind one impressive Phillip Hughes showed.”
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