Hadlee said that the game should be played 'hard' and with 'intensity' but not with 'combative approach', claiming that there is no need for sledging and abuse of players and officials.
New Zealand legend Sir Richard Hadlee feels that there is no need for sledging and abuse of players and officials in modern-day cricket but the solidarity and spirit shown in the wake of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes' tragic demise has heartened him.
Hadlee delivered the inaugural Walter Hadlee Spirit of Cricket Oration at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on Tuesday and the function is hoped to become an annual fixture.
He agreed with Martin Crowe's recent thoughts that over-aggressive attitudes that had seeped into cricket had to end, saying that there was no place in cricket for 'hate and angst', Stuff.co.nz reported.
Hadlee said that the game should be played 'hard and with intensity' but not with this 'combative approach', claiming that there is no need for sledging and abuse of players and officials.
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However, he was surprised at how the cricketing world came together to collectively mourn the passing of Hughes. He said that it 'exemplified' the spirit of cricket to him.
Hughes passed away after a bouncer in a first-class match struck him on the back of the head. Hadlee called Hughes' death 'a tragic accident' where there was no fault or blame.
Hadlee feels that the bouncer was an integral part of the game and must remain. He said that it's part of the spectacle, adding that there are rules around it and it's not to be intimidatory or persistent and bowlers can only bowl two per over.
Hadlee also claimed that the biggest issues for cricket at the moment are match fixing, bribery and corruption, adding that they need everyone involved to help stamp them out because they're a 'virus' on cricket.
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