ETHICS OF SPORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19119, 10 September 1925, Page 8

ETHICS OF SPORT.

A first-class controversy in cricket is promised over the allegation that a certain player for one, of the English counties altered the seam of the ball with which he was bowling in order to help his delivery. "It is recognised by cricketers that on the condition .of the seam depends in some measure the ability of the bowler to make the ball turn in the air, or to swerve from the direct line before pitching. It is easier to swerve with a new ball than with one which has been well hammered by the batsman. On these facts rests the inherent probability of an allegation which will evidently be solemnly adjudicated upon by the greater arbiter, the Marylebone Cricket Club. Unfortunately it is asserted beforehand that if the charge is upheld sentence cannot be passed, because the laws of the game do not forbid the practice. Sports have been made so solemn nowadays that the legislator and the judge Seem increasingly needed to determine what a player may or may not do in quest of victory. It is a pity. It makes games complicated when they might be simple. Rules will always be needed to prevent chaos, but fewer would be required if there were universal acceptance of the golden rule, "play the game." This is a general principle which applies to all sports, cricket, included, and indeed to life itself. It is only when the result begins to matter more than the game that the seams of cricket balls are altered.