Swearing is going to happen on a sporting field but a captain pointing the finger at an opponent, that has to stop.
This is the viewpoint of Michael Vaughan, who says Australia captain Michael Clarke has done more damage to the game with his body language than with his verbal threat which was aired by broadcaster the Nine Network.
Clarke was fined 20 per cent of his match fee following last week’s first Ashes Test in Brisbane after telling No.11 batsman Jimmy Anderson: “Get ready for a broken f***ing arm.”
It’s been alleged Anderson had threatened to punch Australia’s George Bailey in the face, prompting Clarke to respond with his fiery comment.
“The one thing I want changed in the game, I hate it when I see captains point the finger at players, and that’s what Clarke does,” former England captain Vaughan has told Triple M Radio.
“He’s done it on a few occasions. He’s got to stop that.
“That’s the example that kids are looking for. And as much as the swearing is terrible, I’m afraid that goes on in all sports.
“It goes on in football. It certainly goes on in rugby, and it goes on in cricket.
“I could imagine what Jeff Thomson and co. were saying in the 1970s and 80, so this is pretty tame.
“But the actual pointing of the finger and walking from second slip to Jimmy Anderson while he was batting. That kind of thing needs to be ironed out.”
England coach Andy Flower says he’s considering having peace talks with Australia coach Darren Lehmann ahead of the second Test in Adelaide on December 5.
Struggling England batsman Jonathan Trott has returned home following the Brisbane defeat with a stress-related illness and Flower doesn’t want Trott’s sensitive departure to become a topic of conversation on the field.
“A balance has got to be found on the pitch between competitiveness and not overstepping the line,” Flower says.
Test great Ian Healy has blamed umpires Aleem Dar and Kumar Dharmasena, calling them insipid.
Hoy
Roar Guru
The old no pointing drinking game...
Mike Caxton
Roar Rookie
How about with his elbow? Can he use that? Maybe Clarke should wear a smurf mask so he can't make nasty faces too.
Straight Ball
Guest
Vaughan, how easily forgotten. Excuse me while I point my fingers at the keyboard. Sorrry guys, my keyboard is upset......signing off...
Blaze
Guest
The "escape" goat even... Lol ah that will never get old for me....
atgm
Guest
Anderson initiated the fight and looked agressive in his body language but thats fine.clarke is the scape goat here.if u gonna threaten my mates i'll beat u to the ground
Peter
Roar Rookie
Gatting tells Border to stop doing the teapot stance.
Nick
Guest
Seemed like he had plenty in 05.
jameswm
Roar Guru
This is too funny. Is Vaughan next going to tell Clarke that he's wearing his hat crooked? Or that his walk was aggressive?
Blaze
Guest
No pointing? He was merely field placing and anderson was standing in the way... Lol come off it... This is all going on a bit too far.... Can definitely tell that the time between these two tests is too long...
Hookin' YT
Guest
Vaughan. Who miraculously returned from injury 4 days after the Ashes 2006/7 5-0 thumping by Australia. Another with a 'bottle' problem.
Prosenjit majumdar
Guest
That's too scary anyway for a softy like vaughn :-)