There are many stories about West Indian great Viv Richard's that get told. Usually the one about the bowler who describes the cricket ball in detail and to whom Richards replies “You know what it looks like got get it.” after Viv hit it out of the ground and into a river. The one I remember is an earlier moment in his youth.
The story as I know it occurred in 1969 when the younger Richard's was a very promising talent. Viv was bowled early and was justly given out by the umpire. This was a home game for Richards island of Antigua and the crowd became incensed and angry that Viv was denied a big score.
The chant of “No Vivi, No match!” went up. The officials knowing that a crowd revolt would be uglier than suspending the laws of cricket gave Richards another chance. Richards himself responded to the situation with respect to the laws of the game and allowed himself to be stumped the next ball.
Recently in the Big Bash there was an incident that has a similar conclusion. In the game between the Brisbane Heat and the Adelaide Strikers, the Heat's James Pattinson was given run out by the third umpire. The footage viewed by the third umpire was seen differently by the Strikers leadership. At what point was Pattinson out? If you can, have a glance at the footage yourself if you did not see it. Make your own decision. Strikers Captain Colin Ingram saw it differently and withdrew the appeal allowing Pattinson to continue batting.
As a park cricketer I have seen nasty and at worst deplorable conduct on the field of play. Men bowling bouncers to under 14s. The hurling of repeated profanities at the umpire resulting in the game being called off. My own temper has been tested by opposition and teammates on many occasions as the barbs become more and more pointed. Sure, white line fever is one thing. But there is a place beyond 'a few choice words' that wish I had not been present too.
In the history of cricketing folklore there is the man, the myth and the legend that is W.G. Grace. The jury is well out on W.G.'s place in the pantheon of cricket though his status as legendary is far from angelic. There are many tales of W.G. cheating by simply replacing the bails or intimidating umpires to not give him out LBW.
On one occasion when an umpire did give grace out LBW W.G. replied that people came to see him bat and not the umpire umpiring. Grace was bigger than the game and had the arrogance to make sure it bent his way.
Australian Captain, Tim Paine has shown a level of stability and unflappability that has been sorely needed. He has very quickly won over the fans and lovers of the game. While there was a feeling of struggle against the South Africans there was no external shows of aggression. Against India, while not an outburst, his manner towards Indian Captain Virat Kholi has been controlled and calculated. While some may consider his sledge about Kohli brusque, it was well received by the cricketers I know.
Paine's actions and words are in response to the Indian Captain's own vigorous celebrations. Both Captain's play within the rules of the game. Though as we have seen there is ample room within these rules to go beyond. Players can push the boundaries in both directions by implementing tactics and behaviours that can make the game hostile and violent. Or they can quench the anger and fury of the situation by making a gracious and bold statements.
To make statements such as these often require that something be offered up. A sacrifice or a scapegoat is required to deflate the wrath at hand. People will be confused by the action. In some cases they may be more incensed than if the controversy was allowed to continue. Does anyone see the parallels? Do I have to point them out? Because to be the difference and be gracious is rarely the chosen option.
How do I know that atoning for the mistakes of others by sacrificing my own advantage is rare? Because I only remember one time when I was part of a group who did that. I can remember so many times when I stood my ground and did not walk when I knew I had nicked the ball. I can remember replying to overtly aggressive appeals with sarcasm.
This all lies in the false belief that it is the umpires job to make the decisions and the players job to play as aggressive as they can. In no way does this equate to the ICC's ruling on the spirit of the game. It may not be intimidation of the umpire like the tales of W.G. Grace but it does not hold an ounce of grace in it. It is a form of cricket that exults in winning and seeks to crush the opposition. What it also does is remove any hope of fun from the game at all.
Phillip Hall is a park cricketer, leg spin bowler and is hoping for grace, more fun and less white line fever in the new year for all of us.