Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

alfie wrote:Amuses me how a lot of people set themselves up to judge Anderson without having a clue what he actually said to the umpires . He looked angry , snatched his jumper ... wow ! Must be the first fast bowler to do that...

as MS pointed out , it all rather depends on what he said . Presumably it wasn't that bad ; else the umpires would have taken action. It is possible to question officials without being guilty of a crime ; though he apparently didn't do it politely enough - hence the apology. Which was accepted.

I do agree it isn't a good look - and not the first time for Jimmy. But I also think that he seems to be singled out for criticism in the media - and the social media - whenever he so much as looks grumpy on the field ; more so than a lot of other cricketers who have been known to sledge their opponents (perhaps more subtly ?)

In interviews he comes across as a generally decent sort of fellow ; and even admits he pushes it too far at times on the field. Just possibly he is not seen by umpires as the ogre that some imagine ? More all bark etc , a la Merv Hughes ? And if opponents sometimes complain - well : it isn't unheard of for teams to use a bit of chat as an excuse to try and put off the other team's most dangerous bowler...though that can cut both ways !

I don't mind a bit of chat on the field , though I prefer my sledging with a dash of humour. Would rather not see the nanny state take over the cricket pitch.