ONCE there was an expression, “it’s just not cricket,” which all over the world was known and interpreted as something that was unfair.

I have been watching and enjoying the Ashes but I am little dismayed at the behaviour of both teams.

Once a batsman walked when given out. Sometimes he would walk without the umpire’s decision.

Cricket was the epitome of good conduct and respect for the rules.

Now every decision unless blatantly out is disputed. The fielding team keeps up a constant barrage of aggressive chatter which is called sledging for some reason, aimed at putting the batsman off.

Sadly sportsmanship seems to be a thing of the past, even in a game that was held up as a model that showed how civilised men conducted themselves.

I think if the great cricketer W G Grace reappeared at a modern Test match, he would say, “the game seems familiar but it’s just not cricket.”

PADDY MAXWELL, Southampton.