Within 24 hours there’s been highs and lows in cricket.
Let’s start with the positive… Ross Taylor scoring a double century against the West Indies has been a fantastic and well deserved high. Last year was a tough one for him, so it’s great to see him back contributing in a positive way. It was an inspired innings and I hope this is just a glimpse of what to expect for the rest of the summer (no pressure Rosco!).
Unfortunately Ross’ innings has been overshadowed by the low, in the form of the allegations of three former Blackcaps being involved with match fixing.
The ICC have been investigating for the last few months, and one of those under investigation, Lou Vincent, has come out and said that he is involved in the investigation. Chris Cairns has also called for answers over how his name has been linked to the allegations.
Did they do it? Only time will tell.
The big question is, how easy is it to match fix? The answer… too easy.
You can be match fixing without even knowing. Someone could ask you what the condition of the pitch is and you could say “yeah it’s hard and fast. Will be good for the seamers today” and you’ve just provided information that could be used to fix a game.
Let’s try this hypothetical situation on for size… What if you are in a bar, having a quiet one with a friend. A local contact of your friend meets up with you and buys you a drink and then takes you out for dinner. He asks you about the players, ground conditions, what to expect. You are just having a friendly chat. What happens if that “contact” is a bookie and you’ve just been paid in the form of alcohol and food for your potential “match fixing” information?
I was at Lord’s when the infamous Pakistan spot fixing scandal broke. I’ve never seen a crowd so ready to tear up the opposition. I don’t want to see that happen to our players who are under investigation. That day at Lord’s was a sad day for the sport. And this week has been sad too.
There are a few more issues I’d like to address regarding cricket – especially why we need benefit matches for former players and who should be allowed to commentate at the cricket… but I’ll leave that for later in the summer.
I will be at the majority of the games in Wellington over the summer, including the HRV Cup, women’s domestic season and the international series, so if you see me and want to talk cricket, or sport in general, come and say hi. I’m not scary!
Cover image by AFP.
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