It's not cricket

Broad was adjudged “not out” by the umpire when he clearly was out. Should he have walked? Yes he should. Was he vilified by the English crowd? Yes he was. If he had been an Australian would he have walked? (see below)

“It’s not cricket!” is an English expression meaning that someone has been unsporting. It ill behoves an Australian coach to accuse any cricketer of cheating particularly when he encourages unsporting behaviour by the Australian crowd. 

Sledging – verbal abuse of the opposition – was introduced to cricket by the Australians. Over-appealing to intimidate the opposition and the umpires is an Australian art form and paid great benefits in the past. A system of appeal against the umpire’s decision was introduced to redress “obvious errors”. It is limited in the number of unsuccessful appeals that are made to prevent over use. 

The abuse of this system by the Australian captain meant that when Broad was given not out Australia could not appeal because their two chances had been used. Ironically in his next innings the Australian captain was given out. Did he walk? No. The decision was confirmed after his appeal. Only then did he go. Had he been in Broad’s position would he have walked?

Lehmann hopes Broad will cry in Australia and return home. The real cry-baby is Lehmann.

Richard Bowler

Bangkok