London, July 23: It would be difficult for Australia to maintain its competitive edge in the ongoing Ashes series if the visitors are not allowed to sledge against England, feels all-rounder Shane Watson.
”The reason we’ve been so good in the past is because of how competitive we are and we don’t take a backward step,” Watson said. The burly all-rounder revealed that Cricket Australia’s ban on its players to not to sledge was hampering the team’s cause in the Ashes.
”It’s a fine line between being perfect role models
and being competitive. As a group we don’t want to lose that edge.
”We have got to make sure we do everything we can to win, because that’s what Cricket Australia and the Australian public want,” said the Aussie all-rounder.
After a survey of the public’s views, Cricket Australia (CA) warned it players to not to spit, swear or claim dropped catches.
CA however, insists it has not banned its players from sledging – verbal abuse designed to undermine an opponent’s concentration and confidence – but it did advise the players not to display visible aggression.
”Cricket Australia have said to make sure we know where the line is and don’t cross it.
”It’s a sticky one because the general public in Australia want us to be the perfect role models and the hardest thing is to be extremely competitive and not cross the line.
”I play hard and I play fair. I don’t want to cross the line but that is how I love playing cricket, being very competitive,” he added.
Watson hasn’t played in any of the two Tests but the all-rounder would be certain to get a place in the tour game against Northamptonshire which starts tomorrow.
—-Agencies