The current Test series in South Africa would never have degenerated into open warfare if the captains Faf du Plessis and Steve Smith had copped the same demerit points as their offending teammates.
If the individuals knew any fines, or demerit points, under the ICC Code of Conduct edict would impact on their skippers, only the brain dead players would offend.
And they wouldn’t be picked in future Tests until they has learned how to behave.
Had the suggested ruling been in place, du Plessis would have reigned firebrand paceman Kagiso Rabada in long ago to save his own neck, if nothing else.
And Smith would have kept a closer eye on his vice-captain David Warner, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Marsh.
In short, peace would have been the order of the day, resulting in breath-taking cricket you’d expect from a South Africa-Australia four-Test series.
But the loss of Rabada under suspension for the final two Tests has denied the series of the world’s best bowler, who is the youngest at 22, with Pakistani legend Waqar Younis, to take four 10-wicket hauls.
Rabada deserves the flick, but du Plessis can shoulder a fair amount of the blame.
Even under the current rules, why did du Plessis let Rabada run amok for so long, knowing four demerit points in 24 months cops a one-Test suspension, and eight demerit points two Tests?
But Rabada chalked up his eight demerit points in just 13 months.
In February 2017, Rabada was found guilty of inappropriate and deliberate physical contact after dismissing Sri Lankan batsman Niroshan Dickwella to earn three demerit points, and a fine of 50 per cent of his match fee.
In July 2017, Rabada’s swearing send-off of Englishman Ben Stokes earned him another demerit point, and 15 per cent of his match fee.
The four demerit points forced Rabada to miss the Trent Bridge Test.
In February this year, Rabada gave Indian Shikhar Dhawan a verbal send-off for another demerit point, and a 15 per cent of match fee fine.
The shoulder contact with Steve Smith after the Australian skipper’s dismissal in the last Test at Port Elizabeth was vital on the way to three more demerit points, and a 50 per cent match fee fine.
The eight demerit points was an automatic two-Test suspension for Cape Town, and Johannesburg.
It would be reasonable to assume had du Plessis been on the same demerit points and facing the same two-Test suspension, the South African captain would never have let Rabada go so far over-the-top with unacceptable behaviour.
(AP Photo/Mark Baker)
And Steve Smith would be under the pump as well.
He’d be within one point of suspension with David Warner on seven demerit points.
Now it’s up to the ICC to move quickly to bring the Test captains into the demerit net to put some sanity back into what is fast getting out of hand.
But don’t hold your breath waiting for the ICC to act. Inertia is the governing body’s benchmark.
michael steel
Guest
Another prophetic article written by David Lord after the first test.
HARI
Guest
If that gets implemented then we will have 5 different captains per side for a 5 match series! That's all.
Simoc
Guest
Sounds a good idea to me. The crap that Warner & co carry on with is totally unnecessary and we see them turn to cry babies when it comes back at them. Smith can stop this instantly. The send offs are also b/s and they would disappear with a game suspension for bowler and captain for each offence. It just wouldn't happen.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
Is it silly? When a team plans to use niggle and "mental disintegration" as a strategy to compete, the coach is very much involved in all that comes from those plans.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
I believe one of the major issues Jeff Crowe had with the behaviour of some players in this match us that he had met with both teams and demanded improved behaviour after the first test nonsense. Reportedly, both captains agreed to commit to follow the match referree's instructions but less than 24 hours later the Rabada/Smith sendoff/shoulder brush had everyone fired up again. The captain can be held to account for player behaviour, to some degree, but brain fades will happen and the only the player can truly be responsible for those moments of lunacy. Captains failing to call out their players for poor conduct should be in danger of receiving demerit points, as should any player who makes a public comment that incites conflict or tension between the two sides. For example, Warner should be in trouble for his pre-Ashes series tripe that he finds things to hate about the opposition to bring out the best in himself. That neanderthal mindsethas no place in the game and a penalty should result. So should it for Philander, unless he can provide evidence that his twitter account was actually hacked. Both Smith and du Plessis should be on notice that they are proactive in fixing this current mess or they can expect to be spectators
DavSA
Guest
Irrelevant article. Is the author just hunting for content.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
"... only the brain dead players would offend" So, no change expected from Davey then.
Bakkies
Guest
Doubt it. Like a lot of stuff that went on in the 70s it was swept under the carpet or in a brown paper bag. The likes of Hogg, Lillee, Rod Marsh, etc were vicious, in regards to the latter two even their own team mates. Particularly the threatening to break Kim Hughes' arm in the nets incident. Dean Jones had a story or two about Marsh in the dressing room during a match. The Windies said they never sledged and just let the ball sing.
Bakkies
Guest
'You have zero understanding of the rule of law. The ICC and the ECCB have both stayed out of it while the police and the courts try and make some decisions about his guilt or otherwise.' The ECB have still handed it badly. They selected Stokes (even if he was allowed to play under the law it is still up to the selectors to decide who is in the side) after he was charged and also mentioned that disciplinary decisions will be decided after the case. Does that mean Hales who isn't under police scrutiny hasn't been dealt with and still allowed to play? What a mess.
Bakkies
Guest
'Joe Root should share the blame for the Ben Stokes episode?' Eoin Morgan was the captain when Stokes and Hales went off on that infamous session during a one day series.
Bakkies
Guest
Exactly. A lot has been said about the Warner-de Kock incident. Merv Hughes swung a bat towards a fan who was mouthing off rubbish on the stairs going towards the pavilion at the Wanderers. Mark Taylor who wasn't even captain had a word to the big fella at the break and calmed him down. That's all that's needed.
Bakkies
Guest
Well not so long ago the captain risked facing a fine and/or suspension for poor over rates. In one dayers teams were docked overs. When A tin foil hat theory is that the tv companies told the Indian Cricket Council not to bother and just drag out to tv coverage.
Bakkies
Guest
Agreed what point do these sportsmen become men? I see with various incidents players at the age of 26 are labelled as only a 'kid.' Rubbish. I was an adult at 18 and already had received rights at 16 that prevented my parents from having access too.
Bakkies
Guest
I get the gist of what you what you are saying David. The captains need to be towed in to line particularly when they question disciplinary procedures. Over rates is another problem. Joe Root was clearly slowing the game down during the Ashes when England already had an appalling over rate. The umpires did nothing about it.
John Bowen
Guest
Fantastic idea. I would include the coach in the ban too!
Suggesting Rabada isn’t the only player guilty of misbehaviour does not suggest Imcondone screaming? How on earth do you summise that? Or are you simply trying to generate a nonsensical argument?
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
And you’re ok with that behavior?
Yes, it is true that the slippery slope has become an avalanche, but lets not fool ourselves, sledging is not new, tv coverage, the media, social media has put it all front and centre.
El Loco
Roar Rookie
Witty banter, quips, exactly. This largely backs up my position. That is not what is happening now. What we're seeing now isn't humour, it isn't emotion, it isn't character. It's lowgrade abuse, and is no more a valid spectacle than watching a couple of street dogs fighting.
Fred Trueman (England 1952-1965), An Australian batsman was walking onto the field, opened the gate and before he could shut it, Trueman remarked: "Don't bother shutting it, son, you won't be there long enough". Fred Trueman was bowling and got an edge from the batsman which went between Row's legs, who was fielding at slip. At the end of the over, Raman Row runs over to Trueman and says: "Sorry Fred, I should've kept my legs closed". Trueman: "So should your mother".