This isn't cricket

THE late and great American President John F. Kennedy posed the question to the American people. "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country".

Sir Donald Bradman left an indelible mark on Allan Border's team when he said to them, "Remember when you leave this game it should be better for your presence."

The phrase, "It isn't cricket," stands for fair play and doing the right thing worldwide and even in countries where cricket isn't played.It seems to me in the controversy over Mike Denness' decision in South Africa, all three of the above were forgotten and self-interests took over.

All the Test playing nations met in Malaysia just a few months ago to discuss what they all felt was the falling standard of the behaviour of the players on the field.

Excessive appealing and running at the umpires when appealing were two specifics which were discussed. It was unanimously agreed that bad behaviour should be stamped out and new laws introduced to cover this. All very clear and universally accepted by both the controlling cricket bodies and the general public.

Two months later a legally appointed ICC match referee took a tough decision and censured six Indian players for various indiscretions.

I wasn't at the match and wasn't privy to the incidents. So I can't judge on Denness' decision.

I suppose there are two sides to any decision and two ways as to how the recipient handles the decision. In this case I think India chose the wrong way and this has once again cast a shadow over the ICC's right to control the game. Because of the controversy the ICC faces charges of being weak and unable to control its members.

If India had objected through the right channels, the ICC may have taken longer to sort it out, but it certainly wouldn't have created the unrest and bad feeling that is evident in cricket circles. It certainly hasn't helped India's image and must affect their relationship with other cricket countries. Sledging, over-appealing and running at the umpires have been worldwide problems for some years.

No country is immune from any of the above aspects. Over-appealing is worldwide and a blot on the game. Sledging is not restricted to Australia and all countries are not shy to exchange views on the field.

Running at the umpire is more prevalent in the sub-continent. I am not sure why this should be, perhaps it is because the spinning pitches bring more chances, bat and pad and extra fieldsmen close to the bat and thus also closer to the umpire.

I remember discussing over-appealing and running at the umpires when I was involved with India during the last World Cup. I argued with them the need to temper both these facets of their game, for it would only anger and annoy umpires who may then take a negative view on these appeals.

Umpires should not, but some do. You can hardly blame them, for in my view they are now receiving more pressure and sometimes abuse than is good for the game.

It isn't cricket, it is ugly to watch and it will influence the youngsters who are watching such bad behaviour. How quickly the bad aspects of cricket are picked up can be seen in every park and school yard where cricket is played. Even now at these levels umpires are being assaulted with too many appeals and in some case physical assaults to say nothing of illegal actions.

Youngsters have always copied their heroes, both the good and the bad actions. When stumps were kicked over after a dismissal a few years ago the practice was seen in the parks. Players running at umpires when appealing can now be seen unfortunately in just about every country. Batsmen standing at the crease, obviously disputing the decision as seen on TV is also all too common.

While the number of bowlers with illegal actions is almost at an epidemic proportion, much of this latter problem can be traced to the previous chairman of the ICC over-ruling a decision by his action committee against illegal bowling and allowing Pakistan fast bower Shoaib Akhtar to bowl again. The decision wrecked what was a good committee which was tackling a major problem.

Now the committee has changed, its power has been watered down and throwers can be seen everywhere. If the ICC is going to be a respected organisation with the power to take tough decisions, it must get total support and not just convenient lip service from its members.

If it doesn't the game and the millions of players and supporters who love it will be the losers.