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This summer, I’d like some quiet cricket. The crowds can yell to their hearts’ content, and bowlers can appeal like maniacs, but other than that, keep it down.
First things first: some sledges over the years have been clever and very creative. However, the majority of on-field chatter appears to be pointless personal attacks that unfortunately seem to come with the territory in modern cricket.
There is nothing wrong with a ferocious battle between two foes. A tense contest is always more exciting than a thrashing or a high-scoring draw, after all.
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That said, is it too much to ask the Australian team to let their performances on the field speak for themselves?
One of the most embarrassing sights on the cricket field in recent years, aside from watching us try to play spinners, has to be the non-stop nattering of players like Shane Watson.
It’s always the same. Take a wicket? Blah blah blah. Get hit for six? Blah blah blah. One wonders if the opposition laugh at the way players like Watson conduct themselves.
If Michael Clarke was serious when invoking the spirit of cricket in eulogy for the late Phillip Hughes, let’s see this in action out on the field.
No more threatening opposition players with bodily harm to be dished out by fast bowlers, like a school boy hiding behind his older brother. You don’t have to like every opponent, but at least show them respect.
Instead of this buffoonery, let on-field noise be about encouraging teammates and appealing to the umpire. If we want to shake the ‘ugly Australians’ tag once and for all, start with focusing on practicing the spirit of cricket.
This can be done in a number of ways. Continue to congratulate opponents when they reach batting milestones. Pat your bowlers on the back in the middle of a spell.
Furthermore, walk if you know you edged a ball, as the great Adam Gilchrist did. Focus on setting example for young players, here and abroad. Try to remember that at the end of the day, it’s just a game.
These things happen fairly often already, but we can do better. A healthy team culture is demonstrated by how players behave when competing, regardless of the outcome. Being a gracious winner is as important as maintaining composure and dignity in defeat.
From all accounts, Phillip Hughes was a shy and humble man with an outstanding work ethic and a great attitude. If the Australian team want to honour his memory this season and beyond, do so in actions, not on-screen tributes and hashtags.
The greatest respect players can show to Hughes’ legacy is to behave with the class and character he demonstrated on and off the field. Accept the umpire’s decision. Don’t talk back if an opponent is giving you lip. Play with a smile and focus on constantly improving yourself.
Above all, just enjoy the game. That is perhaps the most important element of embracing the true spirit of cricket.
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