Cricket- A gentleman’s game, received a major blow during the third Test match between Australia and South Africa. Aussie skipper Steve Smith admitted instructing his teammate Cameron Bancroft to tamper with the ball. And it has been the talking point for the past 72 hours.
A major change in attitude and culture is needed in cricket, according to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The prestigious body reacted to the Australian ‘sandpaper gate’ scandal, saying Smith’s behavior had fallen below the standard required.
MCC criticize Smith and Co.
“The behaviour of some of the players in the current South Africa/Australia series, and other incidents in recent times in the game we all cherish, has fallen well below the standard required to inspire future generations of cricket-loving families,” John Stephenson, MCC Assistant Secretary (Cricket), said in a statement.
Time for a shift in attitude: MCC
“The time has come for a major shift in attitude and culture of all those with responsibility for leadership within the game, to give young players the kind of role models who will uphold standards, preserve cricket and, vitally, the Spirit of Cricket for future generations.”
The MCC said that they highly admire the quick response shown by the match officials, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket Australia in responding to the latest ball-tampering scandal in the cricketing world.
Law introduced by the MCC last year
“Changing the condition of the ball is prohibited under Law 41 concerning Unfair Play,” Stephenson said.
“Law 41 also places upon the captains of both sides the responsibility for ensuring that play is carried out in accordance with the spirit of the game as well as within the Laws.”
The MCC announced a new law last year- Law 42, regarding “unacceptable conduct” to counter incidents related to excessive appealing, dissent to umpires and violent acts.
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