Cricket has long been called a gentleman’s game but is this still the case?
In light of the recent on-field ‘sledging’ that has stolen some of the limelight from the opening two Tests of this Ashes series, many pundits have questioned whether the etiquette that once defined cricket still exists.
(Whether or not it ever did is an entirely different matter.)
With this is mind, I turned my thoughts to current players, and those whom are only very recently retired, and came up with an XI I believe exemplify the gentlemanly spirit on which cricket was supposedly founded.
A ‘Gentleman’s XI’ if you will.
This team, following the general outline of a normal Test 11 – six batsmen, a ‘keeper, three seamers and a spinner – is made up of player whom no matter who they were playing for I always found myself cheering them on, hoping they would do well, even if I hoped their team would not.
1. Graeme Smith (South Africa 2002-present).
2. Andrew Strauss (England 2004-2012).
3. Rahul Dravid (India 1996-2012).
4. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka 1997-present).
5. Jacques Kallis (South Africa 1995-present).
6. Michael Hussey (Australia 2005-2013).
7. MS Dhoni (India 2005-present).
8. Andrew Flintoff (England 1998-2009).
9. Darren Sammy (West Indies 2007-present).
10. Brett Lee (Australia 1999-2008).
11. Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka 1999-present).
Honourable mentions going to the following (unfortunatly a team is only limited to 11 players, not 16):
• Daniel Vettori (New Zealand (1997-present).
• Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies 1994-present).
• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka 2000-present).
• Morne Morkel (South Africa 2006-present).
• Ryan Harris (Australia 2010-present).
While this team was not supposed to be based on skill, obviously the deeds of more well known players are going to be at the forefront of people’s minds, hence this team would not look out of place in a world XI of the last five years for example.
Well Roarers, what do you think, is there anyone you think should not have been included, any notable omissions or any thoughts on players past who similarly upheld the ‘spirit of cricket’?
job
Guest
Where is Hashim amla? Also tendulkar? Wrongly selected list
Sandy
Guest
Alan, the word I used was Suggest - to call (something) up in the mind through association or natural connection of ideas. I'm not upset, are you being precious?
Alan
Guest
No Sandy, he only discussed Aussies.......no mention of any Saffas, so no need to become all upset.
Jake
Guest
Praveen he was joking about Yuvraj in the team.
Straight Balla
Guest
Not in batting order. I was not going to think about it that much! Gavaskar gets in because he was a true product of the subcontinent gentleman class. Immaculately presented, calm and always with presence. He also had no fear of any bowler, on any pitch, in any circumstance. A gentlemen is not a coward, and Gavaskar was a true example of that. A bit sick on myself that Mike Hussey is not in the team. If you don't like Gavaskar, replace him with Mr. Cricket.
Sandy
Guest
Andre Nel would have to be the most annoying player EVER.
Prosenjit majumdar
Guest
No sachin,amla?even cook,ian bell, vvs laxman and simon katich are worth mentioning.freddie is such a poor choice.kiwis like ross taylor and mcullam aren't bad either.
captainBokster!
Guest
What about a team for the most annoying players?Warner to captain!
Dexter The Hamster
Guest
harsh but fair...
Dexter The Hamster
Guest
Gavaskar? Ha. Even when he tried to take his batting partner off the pitch when he was given LBW? And not that is matters a great deal, but would love to see the game where McGrath comes in one place below Sobers in the batting order. Wow!!! Must be about a 50 run difference in their batting averages....
Johnno
Guest
Harbajhan has to get a start in the ungentlemans XI
Straight Ball
Guest
I don't get Symonds in there at all. I thought he was a top sport.
Straight Ball
Guest
Gavaskar (Ind) Greenidge (WI) Bradman (Aus) Walters (Aus) Lloyd (WI) Gilchrest (Aus) Mallet (Aus) Hadlee (NZ) Sobers (WI) McGrath (Aus) Willis (Eng) That has made me think hard at 2 in the morning after a big dinner and moderaaattteeelly driiinkinng. Would trust all 11 with the deso driver duties.
Johnno
Guest
Or make Arjuna Ranatunga the captain lol.
Aussie in London
Guest
hahaha Jardine for sure! A contributor floated the idea of a world Knob XV in the rugby after doing the best XV in 2013 a couple of weeks ago... this idea has legs!
Sandy
Guest
You can't have an All time un-gentlemanly XI without Botham, surely.
Andy_Roo
Roar Guru
All time un-gentlemanly XI Boycott Miandad G. Chappell (c) S. Waugh Pietersen Symonds Healy Warne Hadlee Lillee McGrath
Sandy
Guest
Loftus, I hope you aren't in any way suggesting the Proteas are a beacon of respectability.
SandBox
Roar Guru
I think that Flintoff/Lee moment went beyond gentlemanly behaviour and into the realm of 'sickening Bromance go get a room you two' moment The Pedalo incident, was it Vaughan who renamed it the Fredd-alo? It's only ungentlemanly because a gentleman always stays in control of his liquor. Having said all that, I think Freddie is a genuine nice guy and deserves a place on your list
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Oh, good decision to leave WG Grace out. Great player, but wanted to win too much.