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CRICKET ROADSHOWS
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Week 7 Preview - 23 Jun, Lord's
Roadshow to look at security issues |
Pitch invasions and how to prevent them is this week's discussion topic on Saturday's Channel 4 Cricket Roadshow, broadcast from Lord's prior to the NatWest Series final.
Players, officials and administrators have all had their say over the past few days but what do you think about the current unruly behaviour that is damaging the game's reputation?
Roadshow presenter Mark Nicholas labelled the troublemakers "a disgrace" and called for far greater security at all international matches, suggesting police dogs and a zero tolerance attitude towards miscreants as a possible deterrent, but is that the right way forward?
Australia's captain Steve Waugh proposed following the ACB's lead and heavily fining anyone encroaching on the pitch, but would that really work if hundreds of spectators ran on together?
The ECB's only response to date has been to hand volunteer stewards a flimsy stretch of plastic that proved utterly useless at Trent Bridge and, if anything, heightened the risk of injury to the men and women in yellow coats. Tokenism doesn't come much more ineffectual, but what option did the ground authorities have at such short notice?
The logical suggestion is to ban all supporters from entering the playing area but is that what we really want? That would be penalising the masses for the stupidity of a mindless minority and would forever prevent a repeat of last year's joyous scenes at The Oval when thousands of England supporters basked in their team's victory without the merest hint of any trouble, violence or threatening behaviour.
Another equally unattractive alternative is to erect permanent fencing, but anyone with memories of Hillsborough will shudder at that thought.
So what is the best solution?
Another subject up for discussion is England's dismal showing in the NatWest Series. The Roadshow would like like to hear your opinions on why it's all gone Pete Tong and how Duncan Fletcher and his team can turn it around in time for the 2003 World Cup.
Is it time for a complete overhaul of the squad or have England merely been unlucky with injuries to key performers such as Craig White, Graham Thorpe, Ashley Giles and Nasser Hussain?
Other highlights of Saturday's show include a guest appearance by Geoff "Fiery" Boycott, an update on England's recovering crocks and a profile of Ben Hutton, grandson of the great Sir Len.
Michael Slater will also be on hand to give a batting masterclass on footwork as he warms up for the forthcoming Ashes series, while Test specialists Justin Langer, Colin Miller and Simon Katich introduce themselves during a gentlemanly round of croquet!
All this and the usual selection of weekly features – such as Jaffas & Jokers, the competition and a review of the week's matches – will ensure the Roadshow is an hour-long cricket-fest packing more punch than an Adam Gilchrist counter-attack.
Mail the Cricket Show team at cricketshow@cricket4.com
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