Consider this - A picturesque open field in the English countryside. An athletic young man runs in about 20 yards and hurls a red sphere at about 90 mph. At the receiving end, another young man puts his left foot out and guides the ball past the fieldsman to the edge of the field, his wooden bat making a pleasant "thwack!!". All players applaud the quality of the shot while the batsman winks at the bowler, "Maybe next time," is what he seems to be saying.
This was what cricket was all about. The "undefinable" spirit of the game. There was competition, sure, but not without that precious word - perspective. There used to always be time for a shared joke, a common appreciation of the beauty and joy the game bestowed on all of us. It originated as a gentleman's game, a game of the previliged elite (even it's HQ is called "Lords'") and remained so until recently.
Sadly, in this era of so-called professionalism, it has gone to the dogs. It seems to have descended into frentic chaos. Teams engage in mental disintegration of the opponent. Taunts are fired from all corners of the field. Tremendous pressure is exerted on umpires already rendered redundant by technology. Batsmen refuse to walk when out, and, those that do are criticized. The picturesque field has been replaced by floodlights and cheerleaders. Where then is the spirit ?
One team seems to have led the world in the descent of cricket. The Australian team was always known for its tough-as-nails approach. However, they seem to have taken the concept too far. For a long time, they were the only proponents of the "mental disintegration" methodology. Unfortunately, this co-incided with the arrival of almost stupendous talent which led them to record-breaking success. Confusing the effect with its cause, other teams decided to "give it back". However, ignoring the cricketing aspect, they focussed instead on the mental aspect.
The Aussies, when faced with aggressive opponents, did not seem to know how to react. Instead of understanding why other teams adopted this approach, they decided to up the ante and even viler methods of torture were devised. On occassion, this has made for obnoxious scenes witnessed live by millions of viewers - McGrath v Sarwan, Symonds v Harbhajan are illustrative. Nothing has been done by the sport's governing body.
The ICC needs to be careful. A new power is rising - the Indian subcontinent. Flushed with cash and buoyed by new-found optimism, they are willing to fight it out with the Aussies, on and off the field. It's like the teenage years - the influences on this new powerhouse will determine the shape of things to come. There will come a time when talent in Australia is reduced and a new team ascends to the the numero uno position. The legacy of its teachers will be important - does it take "mental disintegration" to the next level or does it return to the halcyon days of the West Indian greats ? Time will tell.
Until then, expect cricket matches to carry a "Viewer discretion is advised" warning.
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