Cricket Betting: Lay off Lords

Bat and ball / Paul Moon / 22 July 2010 / 1 Comments

Salman Butt in action at Lords

"There is no need for uniformity of our Test venues, it's better that we celebrate their diversity."

As Lords comes under criticism, Paul Moon stands up for the home of cricket and warns against homogenisation...

Cricket spectators often get frustrated with the Test venues rules and regulations. It was interesting to hear new Pakistan captain Salman Butt last week complaining that "Lord's is not very lively like other grounds around the world."

Lord's is the birthplace of cricket. Despite ongoing improvements it remains quintessentially English. To tamper with its reverential character would threaten the existence of Test cricket, as we know it.

The history and atmosphere of Lords is breathtaking. Gentle nuance and ebb and flow are alive and well and co-exist with new messrs Crash, Bang and Wallop. Players are inspired to perform there under the gaze of the most knowledgeable crowd in cricket. To sample a day at Lords is a privilege - it must be preserved at all cost!

There is no need for uniformity of our Test venues, it's better we celebrate the diversity. It is worth remembering that apart from England and Australia there is no great desire for Test cricket any more. Test cricket in Asia has been played in front of empty stadiums for a while now despite becoming the economic engine.

This state of affairs was highlighted with the first neutral Test at Lord's since 1912. Pakistan and Australia played in front of a fabulous crowd of nearly 15,000. The English public retains a fondness for Test cricket in its present form and long may it continue. One would hope this was not lost on the Pakistani captain as this two-match series was sponsored by the MCC. There was absolutely no interest from any other commercial party.

Many claim that the gin and tonic brigade (MCC) hold too much influence within English cricket and are locked in a 1950s time warp. There is some truth in that but within this band remain the true custodians of the game. The alternative is for the appeasers (ICC) to hold the duty of arbiter and that thought horrifies!

In the age of the vuvuzela I am particularly interested in the part of the Lord's ground regulations in that 'flags, banners, musical instruments, klaxons, rattles, fireworks and other articles, which may constitute an annoyance to spectators, are prohibited inside the ground.' Not all of these guidelines are applicable to other venues and some people would claim that waving a banner with a juvenile message on it or obstructing someone else's view with a big hat is fun; the majority, though, would prefer to watch the cricket.

Lord's apart, the question of what should be allowed at Test venues depend on the individual site at a specific time. Ambience and aesthetics matter but there more important things regarding the paying customer. Ticket prices with in built insurance against bad weather, viewing and a family inclusive marketing strategy readily spring to mind.

The bowling team must bowl a mandatory minimum of 90 overs in day or face severe penalties (deducted runs). The 'bad light stopped play' situation needs further consideration. More information regarding play and the decision making process should be given immediately it becomes available. The venue should own this responsibility, it is they who have taken the customer's money.

Salman Butt's call for more noise at venues misses the point. There are many single areas where Test match cricket and its venues can improve but we must be careful not to fall into the trap of allowing large media networks, who act as gatekeepers, to predetermine the future using razzmatazz. We should heed the need of the paying customer whilst selling and rejoicing genuine Test match cricket.

Comments (1)

1. KP | 23 July 2010

   I Dont agree with Pakistan captain Salman Butt, although some grounds are best for its electrifying atmosphere like MCG , Eden Gardens, some best for its beauty and views like Basin Reserve , Newlands , some best for its Historical matches. Then Lords has them all,thats why it is the spiritual headquarters of the game.
   My favourite is newlands.
   Kali Protea