Wisden fears outbreak of on-field violence

David Llewellyn
Wednesday 09 April 2008 19:00 EDT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The April snow was the first indication of it, but the new Wisden Cricketers' Almanack is confirmation that a new cricket season is here. There has been a change of editor, Matthew Engel stepping aside for a two-year break and cricket writer Scyld Berry standing in. And the new man is fearful.

"I fear the day is approaching when a high-profile, televised cricket match will see an outbreak of physical violence on the field," Berry writes. He cites the anger and antipathy generated between England and India over the infamous jelly baby incident last year; the trouble that flared between Australia and India in the new year, and, among other incidents, England's James Anderson being fined for "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact" with Runako Morton of the West Indies almost a year ago. He has suggested solutions to avoid confrontation, but also calls for vision and leadership from the game's governing bodies over the issue.

Wisden's traditional five Cricketers of the Year are England's batsman Ian Bell and bowler Ryan Sidebottom, Shivnarine Chanderpaul of the West Indies, Ottis Gibson, formerly of Durham and now England's bowling coach, and the India seam bowler Zaheer Khan. Jacques Kallis, the South Africa all-rounder, was named the Leading Cricketer in the World.

The county season gets underway today at Lord's where county champions Sussex take on an MCC side in a four-day match.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in