Tuesday, February 07, 2006

SA Cricket R.I.P.

So Graeme Smith finally scores a couple of runs and goes out with a silly shot. That isn't so bad but what kind of an example does he create by swearing like a sailor as he makes his way off the field today? Smithy is the captain of the South African cricket side. A position that is worshiped (until a couple of weeks ago) by school boys around the country. Is this the way that you are supposed to walk off the field? If Graeme does it, why can't they? I was taught to put my bat under my arm, take your medicine and walk off with repect. Don't be the little baby that Graeme Smith is and vent your anger for world wide audiences to see.

Yesterday, the Pakistani Captain, Insimam Al Hack was sent off for obstructing the fielding side. While making his way back to the crease, a fielder threw the ball at the wicket and, trying to stop himself from being hit, big Insi put his bat up to hit the ball. The Indians appealed and the umpires gave him out. After asking for what reason he was given out, Al Hack walked off and waitied until after the game to quiery the disision. Respect is the name of the game.

While I am on the cricket story, The South African cricket team has suffered a further setback. The International Cricket Council has informed Cricket South Africa that the bowling action of off-spinner Johan Botha has been found to be illegal. Botha's action was bio-mechanically examined at the University of Western Australia in Perth last week after his action had been reported by match officials during the third Test between Australia and South Africa in January this year. The amount of elbow extension in Botha's bowling action for both his off-spin and `doosra' deliveries exceeds the 15 percent level of tolerance permitted. Botha has been suspended from bowling in international cricket until such time as he has submitted to a fresh independent analysis.

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