SAD TRENDS

I realize that you have received many letters congratulating Zimbabwe on their sportsmanship from Australian correspondents. This is about to be another one... but there is a sting in the tail too.

This week I listened to the cricket live from India on ABC rural radio while stuck in the NSW outback (transmitted via mobile phone on occasion when the broadcasting equipment broke down, glad it wasn't my phone bill!). To my dismay I heard a former Australian player for whom I had previously had some respect admit that he had knowingly accepted incorrect 'not-out' decisions and played on. Worse, he used the fact that his opposition knew he had really been out as a way to psych the bowlers.

I realize that not walking is common, that in high-pressure matches, if the batsman is in any doubt as to whether he is out, it does make good tactical sense to let the umpire decide. But if a batsman KNOWS he is out, can it really be anything but cheating, and deep down, can he really feel good about his action?

Michael Slater took that action in India. He was out, and had to have known he was out. The replays showed clearly what the umpire must have missed for reasons only known to himself. Slater stood and took the decision. Perhaps he justifies it to himself.

Later in the match he took a catch, which was difficult to call and, as happened to Heath Streak and Brian Lara in Australia, the batsman got the benefit of the doubt. His subsequent actions are a source of shame to all Australia... I am sure you know what he did. But he was angry that his integrity was questioned, that the batsman didn't just accept his word! How could the batsman believe him? He had shown himself to be prepared to claim the 'not-out' quite happily, so why would anyone put their faith in his honesty?

His actions, in a game dedicated to Don Bradman's memory no less, typify the problem with international cricket. But the deeper problem lies in the reactions of those around him. He was let off with a caution. His captain neither intervened at the time or appeared even to seem concerned. Why wouldn't he do it again?

If the Australian team is a lost cause for sportsmanship, and I believe the captain must bear a lot of the blame for that, no matter how good a player he is, he isn't doing the spirit of cricket any good, then why should less powerful teams not follow suit?

Any team sticking to the spirit of the game as well as the rules will be at a disadvantage. As a batsman, knowing you are the last one with form in the side, fighting to win an important match, how would you react to being given not out when you knew you were? You'd think, "If I walked, the players to follow me can't handle the job, we'd lose. Honesty could cost us the match."

Well, so it could. Honesty and integrity have always had a price. It can be a heavy price. Ask any martyr...

It's easy for me to say from the sideline, but if players aren't happy with the way things are played now, they must put their courage where their mouths are. If the "big" teams won't lead the way, teams like Zimbabwe have to. Sometimes truths come from the mouths of children, and perhaps the "children" of the cricketing world need to stand up.

No other team is in as good a position to implement an honesty regime than Zimbabwe. They have the respect and the admiration of other nations.

Please avoid at all costs the sledging and abuse, the unnecessary appeals. More than that, I am asking Zimbabwe, on behalf of everyone everywhere who loves cricket, to take the hard decisions, to walk when you are out, to take back appeals you know are wrong. To lead from the front. To play within the spirit of the game.

I know you don't need any more handicaps, but I think that it won't take long before it isn't an extra weight on your shoulders but a source of pride. It won't hurt to take the hard decision, but be as natural as breathing. Sooner or later the captains of the stronger teams will retire and players who value honesty may take over. And people will remember Zimbabwe as the team that brought about the renaissance of cricket.

It's a big ask, and I can understand if the team just wants to play by the same "rules" as everyone else. Please, though, think about it? You are closer to the ideal than so many others, can't you give it just that bit extra?

And as Slater found out, it goes both ways. If you want respect, you have to give respect, and you have to be worthy of respect.

Good luck, you have our support anyway.

Jody Burgess (Australia)

GREG LAMB

I am sure you receive a lot of letters regarding Greg Lamb and his absence from games. I know the South African squad is coming up for selection and I would very much like to see Greg's name included in this.

I have had the fortune to watch this young man play on a number of occasions, and I see someone with a lot of talent who is waiting to prove himself. He was left out of a recent match to let Ian Engelbrecht have a chance; however he did not even play. This a key time for Greg and I am sure it gives him the greatest pride to play for his country, but I would hate to see a great talent like this get poached by an England county side, as I am aware there has been interest, when he spent time in England. Greg is one of many who I would like to see being given the chance at the highest level. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Jonathan Hudson (Zimbabwe)

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