England Cheating Claims – Just Not Cricket

Much has been written about England’s time wasting tactics against Australia in the first test at Cardiff in the bid to regain the Ashes 2009. As Australia chased the final wicket to seal victory with the clock ticking down, England players suddenly needed frequent visits from their physio and then a little affair over changing the English batsmen gloves. If the delays were stalling tactics then they worked effectively as England held on for a draw. However, the Aussie media went into hyperdrive calling the English delays, ‘tasteless gamesmanship’ and belittled the ‘spirit of cricket’.

Professional sport will always have some form of off-ball tactics and cricket is no different. The thing to remember is that it is not interfering with the rules of the game unlike ball tampering. Look at football and how using last minute substitutes has become the norm to run down the clock. Perfectly legit. But try to con a referee by simulating a dive to win a penalty and you’ll be forever branded a ‘cheat’.

Boxers, Tennis players, heck even Rugby players all use intricate techniques to help swallow up some valuable seconds. It is sometimes needed to win matches or to ensure no damage is undertaken for the return bout. Ashes betting fans, especially England fans, understand the need to swap substance over style, this is a test of endurance after all and there will be a few more mind games to be played out before the eventual winner of this great cricketing spectacle emerges.