LONDON: Marylebone Cricket Club, the Guardian of the Laws and Spirit of Cricket, has responded to the admission of ball tampering by senior Australia players, including the captain.
“We welcome the swift action by the match officials, ICC and Cricket Australia in response to the admission of ball tampering by senior Australia players,” said John Stephenson, MCC assistant secretary (Cricket).
“Changing the condition of the ball is prohibited under Law 41 concerning Unfair Play’’.
“Law 41 also places upon the captains of both sides the responsibility for ensuring that play is carried out in accordance with the spirit of the game as well as within the Laws. The behaviour of some of the players in the current South Africa/Australia series, and other incidents in recent times in the game we all cherish, has fallen well below the standard required to inspire future generations of cricket-loving families.’’
“The time has come for a major shift in attitude and culture of all those with responsibility for leadership within the game, to give young players the kind of role models who will uphold standards, preserve cricket and, vitally, the Spirit of Cricket for future generations.”
