Scoring slowly to allow partner to reach milestone - integrity issue?

[Fuller Pilch]

I've been thinking about this with all the fixing talk going on, and was wondering if we may (sadly) start to see the end of one batsman playing out dot balls to allow his partner to reach a century or other such milestone (like Pollard did for Simmons in the IPL and countless players before them). Although I think batting for a partner's milestone is selfless, it may sadly also start to be seen as suspicious (odds of dot balls, odds of a player's century etc). I don't want to cast aspersions on any players who have done this as I think it is a selfless act and part of being a good team player (and I remember when Thorpe did the opposite to Alex Tudor which was terrible), but ultimately it could be seen as manipulating the game. Thoughts?

 

[BeeGee]

I've always hated changing the way you're playing to allow personal milestones. Hate it so, so much.

 

[OverratedSanity]

I don't mind it, really. Hundreds are special. Why not allow the guy who's played well have a bit if glory. Especially if the result is beyond doubt

 

[robelinda]

I recall many instances of this happening! Ponting batted slowly at the SCG in 2005 to let Clarke get his ton in an ODI vs Pak, Mark Waugh was allowed to get his ton vs Zim in 2001 at Hobart with Steve blocking at the other end. Remember the opposite too, Bevan slogging right at the end to stop Martyn reaching a ton vs Bangladesh in Cairns (?), wouldve been a lightning quick ton too. 2nd ODI: Australia v Bangladesh at Cairns, Aug 3, 2003 | Cricket Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo

 

[Red]

It's a nice thing that's possible in a game of cricket and shouldn't be tainted by the spectre of ****ing match fixing.

Had a mate do this for me in a one day game a few years ago when he was on about 10 and I was on 41 and we needed exactly 9 to win . Was a really nice gesture. I got caught behind on bloody 45!

 

[sledger]

Couldn't care less quite frankly. Bat however you like, but be it on your head if trying to be clever blows up in your face.

 

[Flem274*]

If I've got this story from Fleming around the right way, Chris Cairns once bowled wide to allow Dion Nash to take 5 and win a test match.

Just saying

 

[Daemon]

Personally thought what Pollard did the other day was stupid, simply because there's a high chance that MI might miss the playoff spot due to a poorer NRR.

In most other situations where there are no negative consequences, I really couldn't care less, though it does make me cringe if the **** takes too long.

 

[Jono]

No because you aren't trying to deceive anyone and are also not doing it for a monetary or any other financially related gain.

 

[GIMH]

Prove it or STFU