3 Times England Made A Mockery Of ‘Sprit Of Cricket’: As the adage goes, ‘What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.’ Yet, when it comes to the ‘Spirit of Cricket’, the England cricket team seems to sing a different tune. Instances abound where English players and experts uphold the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ – often when English cricketers find themselves on the receiving end of sharp but legal tactics. However, a retrospective glance at England’s cricket history unveils moments where their adherence to the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ has been questionable. Let’s take a look at 3 Times England Made A Mockery Of ‘Sprit Of Cricket’.
Ben Stokes’ Fortuitous Deflection in CWC 2019 Final
The first instance worth noting occurred during the Cricket World Cup final in 2019. In a tense chase, England required 15 runs off the last over. As Ben Stokes dove to complete a crucial second run on the fourth ball, a throw from the deep ricocheted off his outstretched bat and ran away for four. England pocketed a total of six runs from the incident. Despite the accidental nature of the event, many argue that the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ called for a different approach. So, this is one of the 3 Times England Made A Mockery Of ‘Sprit Of Cricket’.
England Crowned World Cup Winners Amid Boundary Count Controversy
In the same World Cup final, the game ended in a nail-biting tie, even after a super over. With both England and New Zealand scoring 15 runs in the super over, the match headed into uncharted territory. Eventually, Englishmen were awarded the trophy due to their superior boundary count – a rule since removed by the ICC. Many argued that sharing the trophy would have better reflected the ‘Spirit of Cricket’. Yet, England did not hesitate to hoist the trophy.
Stuart Broad Stands Ground Despite Obvious Edge
The third instance involves Stuart Broad during the Ashes series in 2013. Broad was caught at slips off Ashton Agar’s bowling. Despite the clear edge, the umpire did not raise his finger. Broad stood his ground, not walking off the field – a gesture that often embodies the ‘Spirit of Cricket’. The incident triggered a storm of controversy, especially amongst traditionalists.
3 Times England Made A Mockery Of ‘Sprit Of Cricket’
Such instances raise the question – is the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ a flexible concept to be conveniently interpreted to suit one’s perspective? It is crucial to remember that cricket’s beauty lies not only in its rules but also in the spirit in which the game is played. While the rules are specific and well-outlined, the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ is a more abstract concept, subject to individual interpretation and situational application.
Thus, it is crucial for teams, including England, to maintain consistency in their understanding and application of the ‘Spirit of Cricket’. Only then can the sport maintain its integrity and ensure a level playing field for all participants.
You may also read: 3 Most Controversial Run-Outs By Brendon McCullum
