RICHARD Scott believes that local cricketers need to take a "long hard look at themselves" after declaring that the behaviour of the players is in serious decline.

The Bournemouth and former Hampshire all-rounder has become disillusioned with the increased aggression in the game - particularly in the Southern Electric Premier League - and has called on his fellow players to return to the old standards and ease the burden on the game's umpires.

Scott told the Daily Echo: "The general etiquette of cricketers today is nothing like it was 20 years ago.

"Players these days are far more aggressive towards umpires and put them under unnecessary pressure. The players need to take a long hard look at themselves for the way they behave on the pitch.

"In a typical Southern Electric Premier League game these days, the whole field will go up for an lbw decision, whereas 20 years ago you'd get the bowler and the wicketkeeper -- and maybe the slip cordon.

"There is a lot of gamesmanship involved and it's made the umpire's job very much more difficult.

"Every Saturday you'll see umpires under extreme pressure in club cricket and it is taking the fun out of playing."

Scott has been rankled by aggressive appealing, while he's also unimpressed by sledging and batsmen who fail to walk when they know they're out.

He said: "In days gone by, you'd get batsmen who would walk when they knew they were out - not any more.

"Then when they get a rough decision, they're not happy about it. The umpires are on a hiding to nothing.

Full story in today's Daily Echo