The line between gamesmanship and cheating

The line between gamesmanship and cheating

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8148183.stm

I would have supported the accusation but then coming from an Australian cricket team who's actions in the past are NOT a shining example of good sportsmanship, I'd say Bad luck Ricky, just because you hadn't thought of this tactic first!!

Hauritz said he would have played for time in the same situation.

Ricky Ponting has instilled a real whinging culture into the Australian team since 2005. Steve Waugh tended to shut up and leave it all on the field, except for his tactical jibes in the press.

in the reverse situation the aussies would have done exactly the same thing. Ponting and co have been experts at playing for time etc when it suits them.

Time wasting at the death is part and parcel of the game and happens at all levels, especially when a draw is on the cards. Always has done, always will do. I've re-tied my shoelaces many a time. Ponting is just trying to deflect criticism away from his generally poor captaincy.

As for Aussie time wasting.. it's nearly time for centenary celebrations of this incident..

From the Web somewhere.....
"Under the rules of the day, bowlers were allowed to send down looseners at any time, and in the Ashes Test at The Oval in August 1909, Warwick Armstrong, a player always willing to stretch the laws to their limit, spent almost 15 minutes bowling a succession of warm-up deliveries to one side of the pitch while Frank Woolley, making his debut for England, stood waiting to face his first ball. The crowd booed as the ball was allowed to trundle to the boundary and the Australian fielders showed little hurry in returning it, but there was nothing the officials could do. Eventually Armstrong resumed playing and, unsurprisingly, Woolley was soon out for 8."

"Whatever it takes" is the motto, creed, mission statement etc of EVERY sporting organisation in Australia, from the Murrumbeena Under 10's to the Wallabies, Kangaroos or Socceroos. 

 

Over near Oakleigh and Melton I think.

Of course Australia would have done it twice as bad in the same situation, but then if anyone had of accused them of bad sportsmanship Ponting would have bristled with a holier-than-thou rant about how Australia always play within the spirit of the game. E.g. post Haddin taking the bails off. Ponting = great batsman but lousy captain.