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South Africa in India 2007-08
'You shouldn't overstep the mark' - Boucher
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan in Chennai
March 24, 2008
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Mark Boucher is hoping that both upcoming series against India will be contested in the right spirit
© AFP
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Mark Boucher, South Africa's wicketkeeper, has welcomed the ICC's request for better player behaviour but feels that it will be difficult for players to put a complete stop to sledging. He hoped the upcoming series against India will be played in the right spirit, with both sides understanding where to draw the boundaries.
"We haven't got a briefing [from within the team]," he said two
days before the start of series. "[But] we're all mature enough to realise what
we can and cannot do. You talk about sledging, I don't think that's ever
going to completely leave the game. You've got two very competitive
sides playing for their country, it's always going to be there.
"Hopefully the series will be played in the right spirit of the game,
I know that's what I'm going to do. It's going to be very competitive
and that's what everyone wants to see. So long as everything is kept
above board and played in the right spirit, there shouldn't be a
problem."
Boucher has not shunned away from a bit of chat himself and, early in
2006, criticised the
Australians for their on-field barbs. He even said, "I have lost
respect for one or two of their players". However, he felt the
situation could be in control if the players know when to stop.
"Look, you shouldn't overstep the mark," he said. "The match referees
are going to look to make an example of things if you overstep the
mark, especially with all the hype coming from the India-Australia
series. Players will have to do things in a clever way to get that
extra advantage but you don't want to lose this because it will take
away the competitive streak."
The ICC recently sent out a note, urging players to improve their
behaviour. "Players are asked to take their responsibility as role
models seriously and to make an effort to improve their behaviour in
this regard," the note said. "Captains are requested to lead by
example and to ensure that they keep tight control over the behaviour
of their players."
The move comes on the back of India's fractious tour of Australia, one
that saw several on-field controversies. Harbhajan Singh was in the
centre of the storm on a few occasions but Boucher felt it was
important to know the limits. "Like I said it's about the competitive
nature on the field," he said. "I'm fighting hard for my country, he's
fighting hard for his country. Both of us have never overstepped the
mark and hopefully that will continue in this series."
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan is an assistant editor at Cricinfo
© Cricinfo
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