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Yet another pointless debate about the "Spirit of Cricket" to take place; this time in a posh English school
The interminable discussion about the entirely fictitious "Spirit of Cricket" will continue this week at an event held at Cranleigh School in Surrey. But which heavyweights will be discussing such a monumentally pointless issue at this incredibly exclusive school that 98% of the normal population cannot get into? Well I'll tell you.
It's Chris Cowdrey, the former England captain, Monty Panesar, Middlesex captain
Ed Smith and the national selector, Geoff Miller. Sounds knicker-grabbing doesn't it?
What annoys me about inane events such as these is just how utterly without worth they are and that they also exacerbate the faux-moral hand-wringing that goes on throughout the game regarding this nonsensical issue. Let's be honest, a few people trying to trick umpires and saying nasty things to each other on the field does not a sporting dystopia make.
And even if it did, I very much doubt Monty and Ed Smith would have the answers anyway.
February 26, 2008 in English cricket, ICC, rules, bodies etc | Permalink | 
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Erm, sorry, I don't get this.
Posh schools are big on debates and such, it's supposed to prepare posh yoof for running the world, I believe. They probably did Modern Methods of Grouse-Rearing last month. Why can't they talk about cricket if they want to?
And why would Monty and Ed Smith not have any answers, are you saying they're thick? Admittedly Monty is famous for the banality of his public statements, (don't know about Mr Smith) personally I've always thought that was him rather cleverly not giving the journalists anything to build an angle on.
I think they ought to try and persuade some of the young toffs to become very good umpires when they grow up. Now that would be useful.
Posted by: Zeph | 26 Feb 2008 20:57:14
I'm with Zeph on this one. Most players of most sports are entirely ignorant of the laws or rules (don't tell me that Vince Karalius knew the rules of RL) and play by an unwritten code become er... acculturated to behavioural norms.
Monty (can he be there? I thought he was in NZ) is known for his work for public good and for sitting in two cultures and Ed Smith has a book to plug on the Brearleyesque theme of "What sport teaches us about life". I have it on order and shall review here.
As I have written here before, I really do believe that the only things really worth knowing in life are taught by cricket (other routes are available).
Posted by: The Tooting Trumpet | 26 Feb 2008 21:45:09
"Why can't they talk about cricket if they want to?"
Well they can if they want naturally. My point was more about the fact there seems to be an endless crisis regarding the spirit of cricket that must be ruminated over again and again. My view is that the spirit of cricket is a bit of a nonsense and the game is pretty OK and does not require endless self-analysis.
Hence my slightly exasperated tone.
Posted by: lee | 26 Feb 2008 22:06:46
I think it just *feels* like an endless crisis because 6 million blogs have been written since Roy and Harbs had their little conversation :) You're right, it isn't a crisis, but maybe a bit of a malaise?
At least a leg break in cricket doesn't mean what it means in football.
Posted by: Zeph | 26 Feb 2008 22:50:50
Given the diversity of the cultures that play cricket and its long days in the sun, there will always be a debate about the spirit of the game. If athletics and cycling had been a bit more open about such matters, they wouldn't be in the state they are now (albeit for different reasons).
Posted by: The Tooting Trumpet | 27 Feb 2008 10:29:59
the debate is not just for Cranleigh School. Young cricketers from other public schools,state schools and club cricketers will be invited. The reason for the evening is to emphasise, to young cricketers, the point that the great sport should be played in a competitive but fair spirit.
Posted by: Dave Grines | 2 Mar 2008 16:09:40
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