The
Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog follows the controversy surrounding Kevin Pietersen's dismissal at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground, Colombo in the second test between England and hosts Sri Lanka.
Cricket: Sri Lanka - The Code Of Honour
Kevin Pietersen has just got off the mark when he edges a ball from Chamindar Vaas to Chamara Silva. The Sri Lankan appears to ground the ball before Kumar Sangakkara gratefully snatches the chance. Pietersen trudges off, aware the England supporters are suggesting he tries to negotiate a referral to the third umpire. There is no referral and Pietersen is out.
Afterwards the media are berating umpires Daryl Harper and Aleem Dar for not referring the catch. What nobody seems to be asking is why was the fielder not asked? Chamara Silva is the best judge of whether he caught the ball or not. He instinctively knows if the ball hit the ground. If it did then he should say as much. This phenomenon is known as sportsmanship. It owes it's allegiance to the spirit of the game.
This honourable trait is still alive in sports such as snooker and golf. It used to be part of cricket's code. Now deception has inveigled cricket's code of honour. Australia's Adam Gilchrist has been one, ready to walk if he knows he is out. More players should follow his example. Batsman ready to walk, and fielders honest enough to admit it when they ground a catch.
Yes of course winning is what teams play for. But if you are good enough, you will find ways to win within the code and spirit of the game. The greats in all sports are known for both their excellence and their allegiance to the games core values. When players can learn to trust each other again, then deception will not have a place in the game of cricket. Which team is willing to make such a stand for the game, from their love of the game?
