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THE JOURNAL OF SPORT, LEISURE & RISK WITH AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
ISSUE 28 // DECEMBER 2017
THE ASHES
ISSUE 28
T H E U P S E T T H AT L E D TO D O M I N A N C E
|
DECEMBER 2017
AT RISK
S U E D A F T E R ‘ E XC ES S I V E
E X E R C I S E ’ CAU S ES I N J U RY
SPECTATORS BEHAVING BADLY
W H AT S H O U L D C LU B S D O ?
TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM
UNDER ATTACK
+ LEGAL FOCUS + AT RISK + SPORTS SHORTS + WORLD SPORT NEWS
Touchline 28.indd 1 24/11/2017 09:48
CONTENTS
06 08 10
12 15 18
20 24 28
30 34 37
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FEATURES
Issue 26 // March 2017
EDITORIAL | 04
WORLD SPORT NEWS | 06
THE ASHES 1989 | 08
WHAT MAKES A GREAT TEST CAPTAIN? | 10
NATIONALISM AND SPORT | 12
THE ASHES 2017 PREVIEW | 15
THE WOMEN’S ASHES | 18
AT RISK | 20
SPECTATORS BEHAVING BADLY | 24
SPORTS SHORTS | 28
PENINSULA LEISURE | 30
UNDER AT TACK | 34
A TALE OF TWO DECISIONS | 37
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EDITORIAL
LET THE
Warner famously said
England’s players had “scared
eyes” when facing up to the short-
pitched pace barrage of Mitchell
Johnson midway through the
first Test of the 2013-14 series.
SLEDGING
Nathan Lyon has been warning
the English that Australia’s fast
bowlers are relishing the prospect
of ‘ending careers’.
Sledging is now an accepted
and eagerly anticipated part of the
Series. It is now an integral part
BEGIN...
of the build-up too.
There have been many famous
sledges in the Ashes series before
such as when Mark Waugh said
to James Ormond, that he ‘clearly
was not good enough... to play
for England’ only for Ormond to
retort ‘Maybe so, but at least I’m
the best player in my family’.
Steve Boucher But sledging is not restricted
to cricket. It is something
that occurs in most sports.
Even before this Ashes had begun the now
commonplace sledging had commenced. Way
back in October this year David Warner said
Australia must find “some sort of hatred” for
England and that he plans to continue the
verbal aggression when the two sides meet for
the first test on 23 November.
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Muhammad Ali was a master at sledging, and often driver took the wrong entrance and got stuck and
made caustic comments about his opponents, such a huge firework display over the team hotel in the
as famously saying he had seen George Foreman early hours of the morning just before the match.
shadow boxing and the shadow won. But worst of all was the fact that lasers were being
There have been many classic sledges over the shone into the eyes of some of the players, including
years, but whereas there always seemed to be some goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic.
fun and clever banter in the past, too often in recent Is this really acceptable behaviour? Had this
times the sledging has trended towards becoming happened to one of the major footballing nations,
more threatening and serious. Is it really acceptable to perhaps FIFA would have been pressured more to
talk of ‘hatred’ and bowlers ‘killing’ a batsman? take a look.
There have been calls in the past by some of the Unfortunately, these days there is so much at stake
leading cricketers for the sledging to stop so that the that often players or teams resort to almost any tactics
game can be played in the right spirit. to win. Surely it is not in the best interests of sport
The danger is that the sledging is ramped up as for this to continue unchecked.
matches progress and increasingly becomes more We all enjoy some witty banter, but when things
threatening. In fact, when does sledging turn into get threatening or dirty tricks are involved, we
more worrying forms of gamesmanship bordering on really should say enough is enough and we need the
cheating? governing bodies of sport to step in and say so. To not
At the recent match between Peru and New do so, they are potentially leaving themselves open to
Zealand to determine who would get the final berth legal action if someone goes too far. At the very least,
at the FIFA World Cup in Russia next year there such non-action brings into question the relevance
were some dubious practices which bordered on of the various behavioural Codes most sports have
cheating. Apart from the curses placed on the Kiwis in place, and the commitment of the sports to their
by shamans, they had to endure suspicious flight application.
delays, a journey to the ground where the coach
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WORLD SPORT NEWS
SAMOA RUSSIA
SAMOA WILL HOST THE ARREST WARRANT FOR
2019 PACIFIC GAMES RUSSIAN WHISTLE-BLOWER
Samoa will host the 2019 Pacific Games after the A Moscow court has issued an arrest warrant for
Pacific Games Council announced the decision, saying it Russian whistle-blower Grigory Rodchenkov, who helped
was the only bid that met all the criteria. orchestrate the country’s state-sponsored Olympic doping
Tonga was to host the Games, but in July the programme and has since fled to the United States.
government there suddenly pulled out, saying it could “The investigators put Rodchenkov on
not afford to host them.
It had been a two-horse race between Samoa and
an international wanted list. Our court on
Guam for hosting rights, but a budget agreement September 21 issued a ruling to arrest him in
between Guam’s governor and legislature could not be absentia since he is wanted internationally,”
met in time. the court’s spokesperson Yunona Tsareva told AFP.
Samoa said it would fully underwrite the cost of The move means Russia will be able to request that the
hosting the games and that it already has the facilities United States extradite Rodchenkov, but the two countries
needed. do not have an extradition treaty.
The Pacific Games Council’s Chief Executive, Andrew Rodchenkov, 58, is the former director of Moscow’s anti-
Minogue, said with such little time to prepare, Samoa was doping lab that oversaw drug testing at the 2014 Winter
left as the only capable choice. Olympics in Russia’s Black Sea city of Sochi.
“Essentially a process like this was really He headed the lab from 2006 to 2015 before fleeing to
the United States.
trying to find who amongst our members In May 2016 he gave an interview to The New York
had a number of facilities in place [and] Times describing an elaborate doping scheme that he said
had some experienced people who involved dozens of Russian athletes at the Sochi Olympics.
had delivered events recently,” said Mr A bombshell report by a World Anti-Doping Agency
(WADA) independent commission published in 2016 said
Minogue. Rodchenkov had admitted to “intentionally destroying”
“They were looking for a very capable 1,417 test samples ahead of an audit.
pair of hands and I think they’ve proven It said Russia’s cover-up scheme affected 30 sports and
to be that, and that’s what’s going to be was in operation from 2010 until 2015.
Russia’s Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) was declared
needed. We’ve only got less than two years “non-compliant” with international sport’s anti-doping
until the Games.” code in November 2015 after revelations by Russian
The Council said it would help Samoa in every way athletes in a documentary aired by Germany’s ARD
possible in the short time available to prepare, but Mr television channel.
Minogue said he was confident that Samoa would host a
successful Games.
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NEW ZEALAND
IT’S AUCKLAND OR BUST FOR
THE 36TH AMERICA’S CUP
It’s Auckland or bust as New
Zealand’s host venue or the 2021 event
will be held it Italy, Team New Zealand
CEO Grant Dalton has revealed as
part of the new protocol for the 36th
America’s Cup.
CHINA
Dalton confirmed that the event
will feature 75 foot monohulls and
nationality rules where 20 percent of THE CHINESE AUSTRALIA
GRAND PRIX X GAMES GO TO
sailors must be from one country. The
rest of sailing team must meet strict
TO SWOP WITH
criteria of residence of 380 days in
country from 1 September 2018 to
1 September 2020. AUSTRALIA FOR
A series of preliminary regattas will
be raced internationally in 2019 & 2020 BAHRAIN THE FIRST TIME
NEXT YEAR
in the AC75 Class boats, culminating
with a Christmas Regatta in December The Chinese Grand Prix, which
2020 for all competitors. made its debut in September 2004,
Dalton confirmed that Team will take place a week later next year,
New Zealand won’t take part in the on April 15, swapping places with the ESPN has struck a deal to take its
America’s Cup Challenger series, to be Bahrain race, which will move to April X Games action sports event series
called the Prada Cup. 8, Formula One said on its website. to Australia for the first time next
Dalton said there is a deadline of The current Shanghai race year.
August 30 next year to decide whether weekend coincides with China’s The US broadcaster announced
Auckland will be ready to host the Qingming three-day national holiday, that the event will be held in
event. also known as the Tomb Sweeping partnership with Australian free-to-
“The only reason we went to the Festival, when families pay respects air network Seven West Media, and
America’s Cup was to bring it back to their ancestors. will take place at Sydney’s Olympic
here. We’re really clear about that, this This year’s race, won by world Park between 19 and 21 October
is where we want to hold it but we’ve championship leader Lewis Hamilton 2018.
got nothing in place yet. for a record-extending fifth time, was Under the deal, Seven will provide
“I think it’s only responsible for the set to be the last under the previous live domestic coverage of the event,
challengers if there is a natural disaster contract. which includes music performances
or whatever happens that we couldn’t Jiang Lan, Chairman of Shanghai and art installations as well as
hold it here. Juss Sports Development, the competitions in sports including
“Rather than finding out next year company that organizes the race, skateboarding, BMX and Moto X.
that it’s got to be shopped out all over said the Chinese Grand Prix had In the US, ESPN’s coverage will be
the place to try and find a venue, we become “one of the most prestigious shown on ESPN3 and as part of its
say ‘if for whatever reason it can’t be and recognized events” on the ‘World of X Games’ series on ABC.
in Auckland, which is the intention, Formula One calendar. The Australian Financial Review
absolutely the intention, it will go to ”Since its Shanghai debut in 2004, reports that Sydney will become a
Italy”. the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix has regular stop for the X Games, which
Dalton said racing won’t take place become a motorsport showpiece was founded in 1995, beyond 2018.
in the inner harbour but will feature off for China but also a fixture for all of It adds that Seven, which already
Takapuna or Milford, closer than the Asia Pacific’s and global motorsports represents ESPN for advertising in
last America’s Cup in Auckland in 2003. fans”, added Jiang. the Australian market, will assist
Each competitor is permitted to The announcement comes as with marketing and promotion.
build two boats, the hulls of which Malaysia, which pioneered Formula The Sydney event becomes
must be laminated in the country One’s push into Asia, is set to host the fourth edition of the X Games
of the competitor. The first boat is its last grand prix in Sepang, while slated for 2018, following previously
not permitted to be launched prior Singapore agreed a four-year announced events in Aspen
to 31 March 2019, the second can be extension earlier this month, keeping in January, Oslo in March and
launched after 1 February 2020. it on the calendar until 2021. Minneapolis in July.
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THE ASHES
THE ASHES 1989:
T H E U P S E T T H AT L E D TO D O M I N A N C E
Timothy Mottram
T
he English Test squad that is locked in battle with Australia managed two series wins out of 11 tries in that
Australia is not fancied to take much away. There window, beating only minnows Sri Lanka and Trans-Tasman
are plenty of holes in the line up, some promise, rivals New Zealand. Border had seen The Ashes claimed
and a fantastic captain in Joe Root, but not even their twice by England in his time as captain. One moment
most blinkered fans are expecting much more than a loss. stands out as central to the new mood of the captain in
Perhaps even more unfancied was the 1989 Australian 1989. In a widely published photograph from the earlier
team that flew to England. Questions had been asked even tests, Border can be seen celebrating with England captain
before they strapped themselves into their business class David Gower. Ian Chappell, former Australian captain, had a
seats (teams had always flown economy before). Many shot at Border for his friendliness. This was The Ashes, and
Australians thought they scant deserved the premier they are English. They should be the reviled enemy.
bump, but captain Allan Border was adamant. This was a Border took this to heart. His new modus operandi was to
business trip, so they would act accordingly. compete to the edge of sportsmanship; to win at all costs.
Since 1984, Australian test cricket had been in a fugue While the new plan was clear to Border and his innovative
state. That summer, the triple retirement party for Greg coach Bob Simpson, surely when he looked around the
Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rodney Marsh had led to a cabin on that long flight to England, he was not confident he
hangover that lasted five years. It did not help that the could pull it off. He had broken up the opening partnership
team was gutted of its best players following the rebel tour of the past few years, David Boon and Geoff Marsh, in order
of South Africa in 1985, a crime that incurred a three year to make way for talented but unproven youngster Mark
ban for competing players: three years they gladly gave up Taylor. This had pushed Boon to three, which pleased the
in exchange for the cracking pay day. nuggety Tasmanian, but pushed Dean Jones to five, a less
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popular move. The selectors had in the attack. The pitch was flat and morally shattered English crumbled,
persisted with Steve Waugh despite a draw looked possible, even at this with the exception of Robin Smith.
his streaky form and uninspiring point. With this nine-wicket win, Border
average: mainly because he was Allan Lamb’s 171 helped England managed to lead Australia to their
the closest thing they had to an all- avoid the follow on, but Alderman’s first Ashes win in England since 1934.
rounder. Ian Healy, the keeper, was line troubled the other batsmen, Yet the job was not yet done. Like
serviceable, but the true worry must which would go on to being one of his 66 in the First Test, Border wanted
have been his bowlers. the defining aspects of the Series. this series to set the tone for the next
Merv Hughes was better known In the second innings, Australia decade. Winning was not the goal
for his mullet and handlebar went on to hit the boundary hard anymore: he was in the business of
moustache than his accuracy. Geoff and set up a target of 402. Alderman domination. The English would not
Lawson had pedigree, having held cleaned up with a 5/44, giving be let off the hook. Border wanted to
the line with late-era Lillee, but was Australia a 210 run victory. humiliate them.
not in that class by any stretch. Terry Everything had clicked for The most famous story attesting
Alderman’s medium pace had been Australia, and suddenly England to Border’s approach came in the
eroded because of frequent shoulder realised that not only did they have Fifth Test. After Robin Smith was hit in
injuries and rustiness because of a fight on their hands, but it was one the stomach, he asked the opposition
his enforced lay –off due to his they could very possibly lose. captain for a cup of water. Apparently,
participation in the rebel tour. By day three during the Second Border replied with the words: “What
The red-tops of the English Test at Lord’s, the English wobble do you think this is, a f***ing tea
press were preparing for slaughter, looked to be falling into a crisis. David party? No, you can’t have a f***ing
gleefully punning about Australia’s Gower, whose dashing style was glass of water. You can f***ing wait
imminent pummelling, while Gower attractive in victory, was now being like the rest of us”. Cricket, a game of
was on record for saying that it would accused of fickleness. In response gentlemen, had been dragged into a
be a crushing victory. to a reasonable 286, Australia were new world.
This consensus seemed to be amassing a winning lead with an Australia cleaned up the Series
given more pop when Australia lost eventual 528. During the press 4-0. England’s best contributor to
their one and only warm up match. conference at the end of Day 3, this score-line was the weather, as
Gower won the toss at Headingly, Gower left claiming that he did not both drawn matches could easily
ushering in the First Test. By the want to miss his taxi to watch the have gone to the tourists. It was a
second day, England would be wiping musical “Anything Goes” and bailed. drubbing that saw the trajectories of
egg off their collective faces while Border’s aggressive, focused fight both nations change.
simultaneously eating humble pie. was compared unflatteringly to this For England, the next decade
Australia declared for 7/601, setting foppish captain, whose failure to was one of painful regrouping.
the tone of dominance. finish the press conference was seen For Australia, the 1989 Series saw
It was not all Australia’s way, as indicative of his weakness on the the beginning of a golden age,
though. Border himself scored the pitch. unparalleled since the days of
crucial runs that changed the spirit of At the end of the Second Test, Bradman. While Terry Alderman was
the Australians. On a batter’s pitch, Australia were left chasing 118, which too old and crocked to push on, the
Australia struggled to 2/57. Coming it they hauled in for the loss of four realisation that line and length were
at Number 4, Border plugged away to wickets. enough to win Tests ushered in Glenn
a battling 66. He was aggressive and The fox was well and truly in the McGrath’s stellar career. Waugh,
powerful, and his innings seemed to hen house. Even though there were Healy and Taylor became Australian
smooth the Australian psyche. More four tests remaining, the English legends who would form the nucleus
than his own runs, Border must have selectors panicked, and the chopping of the team that would reign asTest
been delighted that his choice to and changing went on until the heavyweights for the next 15 years.
disrupt the order by bringing in Mark end of the Series. Australia stayed Beyond the individual powers
Taylor paid off. The new opener scored with virtually the same 11, grinding of the players, the key to it all was
a technically excellent century. England down. Border’s new hardline Border’s determination that Australian
It was then Steve Waugh’s turn to approach now set the tone for cricket would never be seen as
announce his future greatness to the Australia. Rain saved England in the pushovers again. His legacy, and that
world, scoring an incredible back-foot Third Test at Edgbaston, but it was of the 1989 team, will be forever the
177 not out to put the visitors right only delaying the inevitable. With the standard for Australian cricket.
on top. entirety of the Australian top order So despite what is made of the
The shock waves were tangible, getting into double figures in the current England team, one never
but Border had yet to see his bowlers first innings of the Fourth Test, the knows.
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THE ASHES
WHAT MAKES
A GREAT TEST
CAPTAIN? Timothy Mottram
The requirements for a cricket captain and keeping the average up while dealing the guile to coax the best from his players
are unlike any other in sport. In all sports, with 10 other egos requires a very special or the strategic understanding to work
the captain is a crucial player. He cajoles type of personality. his team to a win. His personal issues
and leads by example, bawling out his perhaps got in the way of translating
players or puts an arm around their For this reason, many of the greatest his obvious skill with ball and bat into a
shoulders. He gees them up at halftime, players could never push on to become lasting legacy.
and leads the post-mortem after a belting. captains for their countries. Shane Warne,
Legendary captains in football are people possibly the greatest spinner of all time, Ian Chappell, Australian captaincy great
like Roy Keane or John Terry, fearless never captained Australia in any serious and commentator, believes that captaincy
leaders who inspire others. capacity. Certainly, his views were sought comes down to three issues: respect,
regarding field placement and strategy, tactical acumen and inter-personal skills.
Cricket captains have to fulfil this brief, but the selectors never took him seriously
but do so much more. To a huge extent, as a formal leader. The case of Andrew Respect within the team is vital. Firstly,
they place their stamp both on their Flintoff perhaps shows why. the captain needs to be an established
teams and on the final result. They not force in the game. While dips in form
only have to be nursemaid, father, and Made captain of England due to the are part of the game, the player should
chief strategist; they also manage the absence of Michael Vaughan and Marcus have a substantial record and be able to
team off the field to a remarkable extent. Trescothick, he saw England to a drawn pull it together when necessary. The term
That is plenty of hats to wear, and on top series against Sri Lanka and a 5-0 “captain’s knock” has migrated out of the
of that they have to maintain their own thrashing by Australia. It is not that he game into common parlance because
place in the team. Playing at an elite level marshalled a poor team, but he lacked it connotes a special type of grit. The
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Touchline 28.indd 10 24/11/2017 09:48captain should be the one who leads by is able to understand to a hair’s width and curious about what made people
example, coming in at 4/66 and steadying the weaknesses of the opposition and pre- tick…it is about talking to people and
the ship when everyone is losing their formed plans can cause huge damage. listening”.
heads. It could be for this reason that
most captains have been batsmen: The captain should be prepared before Cricket, like all sports, is highly focused
they are better able to become the core the toss, but should also be able to on ego and self-perception. Brearley
instigator in a rear guard action. think on his feet. Being proactive was could read his players and had a set
Chappell’s mantra, but there comes a methodology for each of them. He
Respect is crucial because a cricket time in every match when the captain successfully managed the mercurial Ian
captain makes choices that other sports needs to follow his gut. And this includes Botham, who “was good when you geed
people are not called upon to make. listening to the instincts of others. him up. I would say to someone like Peter
S
The captain works with the selectors to Chappell recalls the story of Jeff ‘Bomber’ Willey ‘go stir Botham up’ and he would
choose the First 11, as well as deciding on Hammond’s test debut. The young bowler snarl at him and tell him ‘you are bowling
the batting order. On the oval, he sets the approached the captain, claiming that he like an old woman’, and Both would
field and decides on who is bowling. He could “bounce Kalli (Alvin Kallicharran) come in and bowl with more energy. But
is the one who has to pull a bowler after out.” Chappell relates that in his view if you did that with Willis he might feel
two overs if the ball is going wayward. If the batsman was pretty good on the unconfident”.
The famous saying goes that
“leaders are made, not born”.
In cricket, finding a great captain is hard,
but once in place, they are irreplaceable.
a captain does not have the backing of his pull and that the pitch was flat, but Chappell agrees with this sentiment. A
players, there are plenty of opportunities gave Hammond two bouncers to see. captain should know which players react
for the other players to find fault. As Of course, Kallicharran got out, bowled to a challenge and those who crumble.
stated, respect is founded on the captain’s Hammond, caught Marsh. Chappell had
own skill, but also on his own willingness a plan, but was willing to listen and was The famous saying goes that “leaders
to do anything he asks of the players. rewarded. A captain without the respect are made, not born”. In cricket, finding a
of his players could not have had this great captain is hard, but once in place,
Richie Benaud, legendary Australian conversation. they are irreplaceable.
captain, is famous for saying, somewhat
self-depreciatingly that successful A relationship like the one above brings
captaincy is 90% luck and 10% skill… us to the final point, communication. This
“but don’t try it without that 10%”. A is the area in which great captains excel.
captain lives and dies according to how Mike Brearley, who captained England
he reads the game and uses his players to victory against Australia in 1981, is
most effectively. Vaughan was perhaps well known for his thoughts on the role.
best known for how he read the game, In fact, his book, The Art of Captaincy,
being a cricket obsessive who studied is still perhaps the best-known guide
the strengths and weaknesses of the to the job. He stated that listening was
opposition and managed to formulate his greatest skill. “I did not deal with
plans accordingly. Today, with all the everyone as well as I might have,” he said
wealth of statistics and data, the captain in a later interview. “But I was interested
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To those of us who have a non- as that fact is, we really can’t help it. and politics collide. The level of debate
sporting family member, explaining Ten years ago, a German national of seems disproportionate, until you think
just why a game is so important can be Iranian heritage named Askhan Dejega about what is going on underneath the
challenging. When this familial pariah refused to take to the field during an water level.
pokes their head around the doorway under-21 football match. Germany was According to famed sociologist
to ask with incredulity just why it takes to play Israel, and the incident got more Benedict Anderson, nationalism is a
five days for cricketers to work out attention than usually one might expect socially constructed concept. It is a
who won, is hard to say. Just why it is for such a minor event. The player choice that groups of people make to
so important that Australia needs to claimed to be boycotting the match raise their self-esteem and to feel part
beat England? Many supporters are left “out of respect”. The small yet powerful of something bigger than themselves.
mouthing clichés about national pride German Jewish lobby group was It is by no means a naturally occurring
or tradition. outraged and complained to the highest phenomenon. The role of sports in the
The reason why we care goes deeply level, and the whole incident opened construction of a national identity is
to the heart of who we are, and illogical up the dialogue about where sports extremely important.
NATIONALISM AND SPORTS:
W H E N S P O RT G E T S P O L I T I CA L Timothy Mottram
To understand, we need to go And now on to sociology… sports as a manifestation of national pride
back in history. According to social psychologist than larger nations because in sports,
In the 19th century, nationalism Henri Tajfel, group membership is vital they can compete. Militarily, countries
became an ideology. Previous to this to self-esteem. He pioneered Social like South Korea are no match for their
time, Europe was contained by large yet Identity Theory in an effort to understand neighbours, which creates a national
multi-ethnic empires. People may have the Holocaust, an event in which he lost inferiority complex. Thus the reaction
seen themselves as “English”, but their much of his family. The theory states that when one of the powerful countries that
self-identity was determined by religion we need an out group in order to provide oversees their region unfairly beats the
primarily. Identity was not something meaning to our own personality. We seek underdog.
people thought about beyond their a “positive distinctiveness” from others: In fact, South Korea has recently
relationship with their God and their we cannot be ‘good’ unless someone else seen a lessening of this nationalistic
king or queen. is ‘bad’. Sport provides an accessible fervour regarding sports, possibly because
As these empires started to fracture, means to this end. As psychologist they are competing on a higher level in
it was an intellectual movement which Daniel Druckman says “At the level of the business world with the success of
began the move to nationalism as a the nation, the group fulfils economic, companies like Samsung and Hyundai.
formal structure. From 1870-1914, a sociocultural, and political needs, giving Sports as a defining condition of
period of stability in Europe, nationalism individuals a sense of security, a feeling of national identity can be detected across a
became formalized through outward belonging, and prestige”. range of sporting rivalries.
expressions such as flags, emblems, It is for this reason that sports on the New Zealand rightly takes great
anthems, rituals and costumes. These international level can get so political and pride from the success of their national
symbols masked the fact that there is can stoke so much controversy. rugby team, the All-Blacks. Naturally,
very little separating the personalities To take one example, South Korea Australia’s Wallabies are their traditional
of nations, particularly in Europe. Sport was outraged during the Sochi Winter rivals. The Bledisloe Cup, statistically,
could easily be mobilized as an expression Games when figure skater Kim Yuna was does not add up to an actual sporting
of nationalism, but sport has the beaten by her Russian counterpart. Fans rivalry. Of the 158 games played in
advantage over a flag in that it is dynamic. launched a Change.org petition which the 114-year history of Trans-Tasman
As George Orwell said, “at the gained 1.2 million signatures in 12 hours. battles, Australia has only won 42. For
international level sport is frankly mimic The charge was bias towards the Russian a traditional rivalry to gain credibility,
warfare… it is war minus the shooting”. due to the location of the Games. the two competitors should logically be
Indeed, Druckman points out that of roughly equal quality. But for New
smaller nations are more invested in Zealand, the annual thrashing of the
12 | TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM
Touchline 28.indd 12 24/11/2017 09:48Wallabies has a powerfully calming nation-forming dimension. The year of PM, decided that the island was
effect, a tradition that helps them the famous stump burning - which gave far too strategic to fall into the
create a notion of difference, to assert rise to the competition - saw Britain hands of the South Americans,
distinctiveness from the larger country at its height as a colonial power. To a and sent in the troops. The
that at times out-stages the smaller certain extent, by this point Westminster
UK came out on top, but the
nation to the south. could detect the maturation of some of
clash has given every football
A similar pattern emerges when it ‘children’ states, colonies like Australia
comparing England and Scotland in slowly developing a sense of difference.
encounter since that extra spice.
football. The term “The Auld Enemy” , Australia, on the other hand, was still
coined by the Scottish, is interesting on two decades away from federation USA vs. Canada- The War
two levels. First, the rendering of “old” but a growing sense of otherness was of 1812
into the more Gaelic “auld”, which again developing. While Americans tend to
differentiates the northern state. And of By the 1930s, this young state was overlook this one, Canadians
course “enemy” shows the complicated still psychologically and culturally will proudly remind anyone who
history between the Home Nations. Fan connected to England but sport gave a is listening that they are the only
violence has often erupted around these language to differentiate. This is perhaps country that has successfully
matches. why the furore over the Bodyline series invaded the States. In fact, they
Indeed, most football rivalries can was so elevated. It was another example
burned down the White House
trace their origin back to political of a smaller, weaker nation asserting
in 1814. The war was actually
tensions. Maradona’s famous “hand of themselves on a level – so to speak -
God” goal in the 1986 World Cup just playing field.
a consequence of Britain and
added to the mythology caused by the The story of sporting rivalries is not France’s stoush over Napoleon’s
Falklands War of four years previous. merely that of what happens on a field. It economic sanctions, but the
England vs. Argentina will forever be is a story of what makes us who we are. Canadians had the last laugh.
considered a grudge match. Brazil also
has a torrid relationship with their Sporting Rivalries Prefigured Serbia vs. Croatia- The Yugoslav
southern neighbour as both countries vie by War War, 1991-2001
to be seen as the predominant nation in Unlike The Ashes, plenty When the multi-ethnic
Latin America. Israel is so despised by nation of Yugoslavia began to
of countries started their
the Arab world that they are grouped for break up in the aftermath of
competition with some pretty
qualification matches against European
nasty wars. Here are a few… the fall of Communism, the
nations.
central state of Serbia refused
In all of these examples, the political
relationship prefigures subsequent England vs. Argentina- The to let things slide peacefully.
on-field controversies, which are both Falklands War, 1984 What followed was a brutal
amplified because of the existing tension A tiny island in the southern tug of war over independence,
and given extra longevity. Atlantic, many Britons had not with Muslim-majority Bosnia-
The Ashes is perceived as one of the even heard of the Falklands until Herzegovina suffering horribly.
greatest sporting rivalries, and again, Argentina landed troops there. The war crimes trials are
its genesis was in what it meant from a Margaret Thatcher, the UK on-going.
TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM | 13
Touchline 28.indd 13 24/11/2017 09:48THE ASHES
THE ASHES
2017 PREVIEW Timothy Mottram
With The Ashes upon us, Touchline has a
look at what the pundits are saying, who are
the danger men and what’s in store as these
old enemies renew their battle.
As the Southern Hemisphere this, saying that he thinks “both absolute joke the batsmen they
Summer arrives, Australia teams are quite evenly matched- have in that set-up.”
takes on England once again to England still have a couple of Vaughan is not quite as direct
determine who will hold on to question marks over the make up in his appraisal, but doesn’t hold
The Ashes. One thing that can be of their best XI.” out much hope for an England
said about both teams: they are Former West Indian champion win. According to him, Root’s
not the greatest of all time. Clive Lloyd is claiming an “greatest challenge is going to be
Both teams have glaring England victory, betting on a convincing the team that they can
weaknesses but also some familiar 3-2 score line, though his praise win. It may be that he has to lie a
names who have plenty of Ashes for Joe Root’s team is muted: “I bit and con them”.
experience behind them. While don’t think either team is good Of all the opinions that have
there should be one or two break enough to draw any Tests”. Nasser hit the papers over the past few
out stars, this Series could be Hussain, the former England weeks, the one that keeps doing the
decided by how the first Test goes. captain, agrees, and he gives some rounds comes from respected BBC
sage advice, saying that “England commentator Jonathon Agnew.
The Pundits have to get first innings runs: par ‘Aggers’ has pointed the bone at
As always, there are plenty of score in Australia is 400”. Though the tourists, saying that “this is
ex-players who are very happy where he thinks these runs will the weakest party I have seen sent
to give an opinion on the Series come from, he doesn’t say. down under from these shores.” He
Some have been carefully non- England’s Michael Vaughan predicts a drubbing, a 5-0 slaughter.
committal. Australians Shane and Kevin Pietersen are not as
Warne and David Gillespie positive: indeed they are pretty The Teams: England
reckon it will be close, and all scathing in their assessment of So, with a mix of opinions,
the more fun for that. “I think it the squad. In an interview with it is clear that this is not a team
is going to be close,” said former The Times, the forcibly-retired that fills the Poms with hope.
leg-spinner Warne. “I think Pietersen said that “if Root gets There are troubles throughout the
both sides’ batting is a bit brittle injured or doesn’t score runs, batting order and some questions
and they rely on a few guys”. they’d pick (Gary) Ballance about the bowlers. The biggest
Former quick Gillespie seconds again. I mean it is a joke, it is an question now is what will become
14 | TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM
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TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM | 15
Touchline 28.indd 15 24/11/2017 09:48THE ASHES
of Ben Stokes, and how will it Moeen Ali has enjoyed an and one good series could be the
unbalance the team? excellent run of form with bat making of him.
At the time of writing, Stokes and ball over the summer and will The poor batting form of
was not allowed to join the look to continue Down Under. In Matthew Wade means that
tour after being caught on film South Africa he scored more than Marsh and other all-rounders
engaging in an altercation at 250 runs and took more than could even be bounced out of
2am at a nightclub. As the police 25 wickets. But he may find it contention. One option would
investigate, the ECB has seen fit tougher to get the ball to turn in be to include another specialist
not to make their call on whether Australia. batsman at Number 6. Indeed,
he can join the tour at a later James Anderson and Stuart Wade’s difficulties with the gloves
date. Stokes, the beating heart of Broad are both class acts who could lead to him getting dropped
the team, is probably their best have excelled consistently over for Pete Nevill.
batsman after Root and bowls the past decade. But will this be Up the order, David Warner
with great flair. His fielding is the summer where their ages has added some refinement to his
dynamic. Replacing him in the catch up with them? Anderson, powerful style and knows these
line-up would take two extra the 6th most prolific bowler pitches like the back of his hand.
players. Management would in Test history, is 35 this year. Captain Steve Smith still averages
dearly love him back in the team, England doesn’t seem to have a a touch under 60 despite a few
but even if there are no criminal third or fourth string bowler that series of less-than majestic form.
charges, his reinstatement would can get under the ribcage of the Usman Khawaja has done enough
be tricky politically. He has a Australians. to nail down the Number Three
history of shoddy discipline and Overall, this England team is spot and has been backed by
this could be taking things too far. a mix of past champions who will Steve Waugh to score “a million
Root himself averages over perform and a cast of County runs” this summer.
50 but his insistence at batting players who may not. One or Overall, though, it is in
himself at Number 4 has led to two might step up, but that only the bowling department that
some criticism. England lacks a means the other three will fail. Australia holds the edge. On his
stand out for First Drop, which day, paceman Mitchell Starc is
means that James Vince is ear- The Teams: Australia unplayable. He can be wayward,
marked for that crucial position. Just like England, Australia but has the fire to rip through any
Vince has an average for the has some quality players but some top order going. Josh Hazlewood
summer of 19, which is troubling selection headaches. Australia has is the ice to Starc’s fire, doing a
for the English supporters. been sweating on the lack of a pretty admirable Glenn McGrath
Some see Mark Stoneman clear all-rounder for years, and has impression with his precise fast-
as shy of world class, but such tried plenty of players at Number mediums.
is England’s confidence in their 6, with none standing out. The When spin is needed, Nathan
opener that they have not taken a question mark over Ben Stokes Lyon has confirmed his position
back up. At least a known quantity may not only have removed as top spinner in the country,
will play along side him, with England’s danger man from having an average of 31. But
Alastair Cook looking to add to the series, but also dampened perhaps the most exciting
his record run-scoring tally. Cook the need to find someone to go prospect of the summer is a
will provide know-how in the shed head-to head with the English fit-again Pat Cummins. After an
but at 32 is nearer the end of his vice-captain. exciting debut as an 18-year-old,
Test career than its beginning. At this point, Mitchell Marsh Cummins is finally injury free
Further down the order, Jonny looks likely to nail down the and ready to play a summer in
Bairstow is a technically gifted spot, if in fact Australia decide Australia. His pace and swing
wicketkeeper and has a very they need an all-rounder. His could be the vital ingredient that
healthy batting average of 39.77, test average of 21.74 is not separates the sides.
which will come in handy when really doing much to justify his In short, there will be plenty to
the top order caves on the flat inclusion, and nor is his bowling keep the viewers entertained this
Australian pitches. average of 37.48. But he is young summer. It might be variable in
quality, but it’s still The Ashes.
16 | TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM
Touchline 28.indd 16 24/11/2017 09:48䘀䤀一䐀 夀伀唀刀
一䔀堀吀
䄀䐀嘀䔀一吀唀刀䔀℀
伀甀爀 挀愀渀漀攀 琀爀愀椀氀猀 愀爀攀 猀甀椀琀愀戀氀攀 昀漀爀 愀氀氀
琀礀瀀攀猀 漀昀 瀀愀搀搀氀攀 挀爀愀愀 ⴀ 愀氀氀 礀漀甀 渀攀攀搀 椀猀
礀漀甀爀 䈀爀椀椀猀栀 䌀愀渀漀攀椀渀最 洀攀洀戀攀爀猀栀椀瀀⨀℀
吀愀欀攀 愀 氀漀漀欀 愀琀 猀漀洀攀 漀昀 漀甀爀 ᠠ渀攀眀
氀漀漀欀ᤠ 琀爀愀椀氀猀 愀渀搀 瀀氀愀渀 礀漀甀爀 渀攀砀琀
洀椀挀爀漀愀搀瘀攀渀琀甀爀攀 琀漀搀愀礀℀
嘀椀猀椀琀 戀爀椀椀猀栀挀愀渀漀攀椀渀最⸀漀爀最⸀甀欀⼀挀愀渀漀攀ⴀ渀攀愀爀ⴀ礀漀甀
⨀瀀氀攀愀猀攀 猀攀攀 琀栀攀 椀渀搀椀瘀椀搀甀愀氀 琀爀愀椀氀猀 昀漀爀
氀椀挀攀渀猀椀渀最 椀渀昀漀爀洀愀愀漀渀 愀渀搀 愀爀爀愀渀最攀洀攀渀琀猀
䴀攀洀戀攀爀猀栀椀瀀
愀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀
昀爀漀洀
戀爀椀椀猀栀挀愀渀漀攀椀渀最⸀漀爀最⸀甀欀
TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM | 17
Touchline 28.indd 17 24/11/2017 09:48T H E WO M E N ’ S
ASHES
T here is nothing like a grudge match, and with the Women’s Ashes,
Australia and England get to double down on some good-natured
Timothy Mottram
hostility this summer. Over the course of October and November, the old
enemies will be playing matches in all forms of the game to see who will
be victorious.
At the time of writing, unfancied matches are being shown on Gem, New South Wales successfully. At
Australia had taken two points by Channel 9’s off shoot station, but the 30, she is ready for the challenge. In
winning the first one-day match test will only be available through the first one day match, she steered
against the tourists by two wickets. the cricket.com.au streaming Australia to victory with an unbeaten
The remainder of the series should service. This is a paid provider, 30, which is a dramatic improvement
offer up plenty of action to match which critics believe will limit the on her average of just 11.
this blistering opening. Organisers viewership of this unique event. Otherwise, Australia has some
hope that this series will give the It is the first time a women’s test world beaters in the team. Ellyse
competition the profile that it will be a day-night affair, which Perry bats at 4 and will also lead
deserves. excites players and organisers alike. the bowling attack. Elyse Villani,
As part of the bitter pay dispute That aside, the mood surrounding Nicole Bolton and Alyssa Healey
that nearly saw the Ashes cancelled, the series is very positive. England have plenty of experience and
Australia’s women saw a massive went in as strong favourites, having will give England some hurry up.
pay rise. Cricket Australia’ s chief the more settled line up and the Lauren Cheatle, returning from
executive James Sutherland said best pace attack in women’s cricket. shoulder injury, will add some
that this represented the “first Australia lost Meg Lanning to a pace to the bowling attack, and a
gender neutral pay scheme in shoulder injury, which put a real special shout out goes to Ashleigh
Australian sport”. It would see dent in their ambitions. Gardner, who has made the squad
payments to Australia’s women Captain Lanning is the top ranked as an off-spinner. She is the first
increased from $7.5 million to $55.2 batter in the world, and statistically indigenous woman to be handed
million, with around two-thirds of is compared to Donald Bradman. the Baggy Green. More established
that amount going into grassroots On top of her deft stroke play, she spinners Kirsten Beams and Amanda
development. is a hard-as-nails captain and skilled Wellington provide an excellent
Now, elite female cricketers can fielder. Her place as captain was team.
go professional, which naturally taken by Rachael Haynes, which World Number One England
benefits overall the quality of the caused a touch of controversy as went into the competition as hot
game. she was not a locked-on member favourites. Winners of the World
Viewer numbers are up, despite of the starting line up. But her Cup as recently as July, they have
some criticism of how the matches credentials as a leader are clear, a settled line up with quality
are being telecast. The one-day having captained both Victoria and throughout. England have brought
18 | TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM
Touchline 28.indd 18 24/11/2017 09:48in a spinner–teenager Sophie Ecclestone - for seamer The series wasn’t always known as The Ashes, as
Beth Langston. Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole that would denote a level of competition that was
represent the best opening bowlers in women’s considered unbecoming in the days before feminism
cricket, Brunt’s aggression matching Shrubsole’s allowed for more fire in the encounter. Instead, they
swing. played “for the love of the game”. This changed by
Opener Tammy Beaumont was the highest run the 1990s, when a bat was ceremonially burned and
getter at the World Cup, with 410. Wicketkeeper the ashes were placed in a hollowed out ball to justify
Sarah Taylor made almost as many, with 396, which the naming of the series.
provides stability in the middle order. Captain
Heather Knight also buoys the order and has the full Once again, the series will be decided across all
confidence of her team, visibly lifting them in the formats. Three one-day matches, a single test and
field. All-rounder Nat Sciver is an important member three T20 matches will decide the series. Each of the
of the team and has been likened to her male short versions garner two points for a win, while the
counterpart in the England set up, Ben Stokes. test is worth four points. The team on the highest
England will not be taking anything for granted. points will take home the trophy.
Australia definitely has the historical edge, and are The Women’s Ashes represents an important
the current holders. The hosts need only to draw levelling of the playing field in sport and it behoves
the series to retain the trophy. Since the first match the public to support this cricketing spectacle.
in 1932, Australia has won eight series to England’s
six. The first proper series was played in 1934, seeing
England stroll it in with two wins and a draw.
TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM | 19
Touchline 28.indd 19 24/11/2017 09:48AT RISK
AT RISK
AUSTRALIAN GYM CHAIN AND
PERSONAL TRAINER SUED AFTER
‘EXCESSIVE EXERCISE’ CAUSES INJURY
One of Australia’s largest gym year, the 30-year-old blamed the owe the mines worker a duty of care
chains is being sued after a client exercise regime he was put through, to ensure PT services at the gym
ended up in hospital for more than calling for about $200,000 in were “provided with due care and
a week following a personal training damages. skill”.
session. Snap Fitness responded to He alleged the trainer told him to Mr Fallow argued he was in fact
the lawsuit by arguing that it wasn’t push through despite complaining employed by the gym and that both
responsible for the PT’s actions as the of “significant” pain in his legs and parties owed a duty of care to the
personal trainer was not an employee groin, feeling faint, struggling to father-of-five.
of the firm. stand and vomiting in the toilet The arrangement whereby
The injury occurred to Daniel Popp several times. personal trainers are considered as
who was checked into an emergency Both Snap and the trainer were contractors is common throughout
ward when his urine turned “as black contesting the lawsuit but disagreed the fitness world, where trainers
as leather” following his first PT over whether or not the personal often have arrangements with gyms
session at Snap Fitness in the inland trainer was an employee of the gym. to use their facilities in return for part
central Queensland town of Emerald Mr Fallow signed Mr Popp up to the of their earnings.
in August 2014. gym, where he worked exclusively Queensland Law Society President
Doctors diagnosed and wore a uniform, but Snap denied Christine Smyth said the line between
rhabdomyolysis – the rapid he was an employee. employee and contractor could be
breakdown of seriously injured In his defence, Mr Fallow said his tricky and had the potential to cause
muscle tissue severe enough to program was safe and suitable for problems in the fitness industry and
threaten the kidneys. It can be found Mr Popp’s desire to “tone up”, even more broadly.
in car crash victims, illicit drug denying that the gym member made Bill Moore, Chief Executive of
takers and marathon runners but any of his concerns about vomiting peak industry body Fitness Australia,
doctors blamed “excessive exercise”, or pain known. of which Snap is a member, would
according to Mr Popp’s discharge Both he and Snap denied not comment on the case but urged
summary from the Emerald Hospital. negligence, with Snap also denying clients to always check their PT’s
In a lawsuit filed against Snap the man suffered injuries as a result qualifications, membership and
Fitness Emerald and the trainer, of the session. insurance credentials.
James William Fallow, earlier this The Company argued it did not
20 | TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM
Touchline 28.indd 20 24/11/2017 09:48Golf Company
Director
jailed over
ball collector
drowning
A golf company director has been
jailed after a ball collector drowned in
a lake on a Welsh golf course.
Gareth Pugh died in February
2016 while collecting golf balls at
Peterstone Lake Golf Course near
Newport.
Dale Pike, of Boss Golf Balls,
pleaded guilty to manslaughter by
gross negligence at Cardiff Crown
Court and was sentenced to 32
months in prison.
The Court heard that Pike had
agreed to pay Pugh to retrieve balls
from the lake but the measures
in place to ensure his safety were
inadequate.
Iwan Jenkins, Head of Complex
Casework Unit for the Crown
Prosecution Service Wales, said:
“Dale Pike stood by and watched as
Gareth entered the water knowing
that safety regulations were being
breached and which resulted in
Gareth losing his life.
“There was clear evidence that
Pike had made enquiries with
legitimate dive operators to cost
this activity but he chose not to use
them, instead falsely claiming to
the golf club that he was a qualified
commercial diver with his own safety
equipment”.
TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM | 21
Touchline 28.indd 21 24/11/2017 09:48EATING
AT RISK LIKE A CHAMPION
Para athlete to compete in the shot put, discus Grays’ injury.
and javelin F34 events. At the 2015 “He made this tackle hundreds
dies after Championships in Doha, Qatar,
Hayayei came fifth in the discus and
of times, but it was just one of those
situations that landed wrong,” Kyle
being struck finished eighth in shot put. Williams told The Wichitan, the
university’s student-run newspaper
by metal pole before the teen died. “It was
in training One of the traumatic for all of us, particularly the
football players. As a campus, we are
Para athlete Abdullah Hayayei
deadliest thinking about him every day.”
Grays, a Houston native, played
died after being struck by a metal years for in each game as a freshman for the
Division II school and made four
pole during a training incident
in London before the World Para college tackles in his College debut.
football sees
Athletics Championships last July. During the same weekend at the
The 36-year-old, who represented college of Wooster, Ohio, Clayton
the United Arab Emirates in the
F34 class javelin and shot put at
two players Geib, a senior football player died
after complaining that he did not feel
Rio 2016, was training at Newham
Leisure Centre in preparation for
die in a well after the Division III team’s game.
Geib, who was 21, had cramps and
the Championships at the London
Stadium.
weekend was hyperventilating in the locker
room after the game.
Majid Al Usaimi, the Vice Most of the 35 college football-
Two college football players died
President of the UAE Disabled Sports related deaths since 2000 have
after games in September while a
Federation, told Dubai Sports TV that been linked to overexertion rather
Harvard football player suffered a
the pole formed part of the discus than traumatic injury, CBS’s Dennis
neck injury and remains paralysed.
cage at the venue. Dodd reported, citing research by
Robert Grays, a 19-year-old
The incident was witnessed by Scott Anderson, the University of
cornerback for Midwestern State
some of his team-mates as well as Oklahoma’s head Athletic Trainer
University in Texas, died after he was
coaches and athletes from other and an authority on player safety.
hurt making a “routine tackle” during
competing nations, all of whom have However, traumatic brain injuries in
his team’s 35-13 win over Texas A&M-
been offered counselling. football have been a focus in recent
Kingsville.
London 2017 would have years.
The University’s interim Athletic
been Hayayei’s second World “Training regimens are too often
Director said there was nothing
Championships and he was due built on tradition versus based on
unusual about the play that led to
22 | TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM
Touchline 28.indd 22 24/11/2017 09:48AT RISK
science and place players at risk,” rhabdomyolysis. The syndrome Also, during that same weekend,
Anderson wrote in a 2012 research occurs when muscle is destroyed a Harvard University football player,
paper published by the Journal of and releases into the bloodstream Ben Abercrombie, severely injured
Strength and Conditioning Research. products that damage the kidneys. It his neck while making a tackle during
Earlier this year Dodd reported can be caused by exercise and some the team’s loss to the University of
on several recent cases of Division dietary supplements. Rhode Island.
I football players who were Sickle-cell trait can also Abercrombie, a first-year student,
hospitalised after gruelling workouts. contribute to injury and death from lost feeling in his arms and legs and
In a particularly high-profile example overexertion. has required breathing assistance
from 2011, the University of Iowa Yet college football player deaths since sustaining the cervical injury.
concluded after an investigation related to overexertion and sickle Doctors operated on his neck and are
that 13 Iowa football players were cell, which affects one in 12 African- reportedly hopeful that the paralysis
hospitalised after becoming ill Americans, have continued. will subside.
with a muscle syndrome called
TOUCHLINEMAGAZINE.COM | 23
Touchline 28.indd 23 24/11/2017 09:48You can also read
