Get a Grip Snowflakes

[Black Orchid]

Get a grip snowflakes - poor behaviour is not on the increase and we’re not about to breed a generation of bat-throwing lunatics.

Too much has been made of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne’s reactions to their recent dismissals in Sheffield Shield matches.

Cue the outrage brigade - disrespectful to the game they say, a disgraceful slipping of standards. Look out, we’re all heading back down the slippery slope towards Sandpapergate. Every kid this weekend will throw their bat on top of the pavilion roof once given out as a result of this.

Quickly, turn the stump microphones off, cover the kids’ ears and pull the shades!

This woke reaction has become very predictable. Usually, from the same journalists and commentators more focused on Twitter likes and side gigs than actually reporting the cricket.

The behavioural standards of the modern-day cricketer have never been better.

How good is it having every Sheffield Shield match streamed live, some broadcast on Fox Cricket, and even grade cricket matches are accessible online? That’s not to mention the amazing access provided by the players to the viewing public during international matches.

Simple fact is, technology allows us to watch almost every ball bowled and means we have more chance of seeing the odd indiscretion than previously.

Rewind 10 years, the reactions of Steve and Marnus to their recent dismissals would only have been witnessed by the players, umpires and two men and their dogs at the ground. It certainly wouldn’t have even rated a mention among cricket writers of the time.

Now, before all the Offenderati begin frothing at the mouth, I’m not advocating or condoning dissent being shown to umpires.

As a wide-eyed kid, through to professional ranks, it was drummed into us that you accept the umpire’s decision. Cop it on the chin, tuck your bat under your arm, get off and put it down to a character-building exercise.

All good in theory, and yes, I confess to being a sinner, on multiple occasions.

The reality is cricket is played by humans with personalities and emotions. Does everyone in society react the same when presented with disappointment? Of course not. Why should cricketers be any different?

And here’s a news flash for the woke brigade who’ve never worn the whites - in all of my years playing junior club cricket, right through to having the fortune to play with and against some of the greatest players in history, I never once witnessed a batsman, whether on two or 202, who was happy to be dismissed. Especially at the hands of a trigger-happy umpire.

More here ... https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/au ... ent=static

[sprintcyclist]

................ before all the Offenderati begin frothing at the mouth, ..........................

hhaah - yep, the offenderati, add that to the antivaxxer spazzos