But generally I think the attitude is, Good on you. Former England cricketer Michael Atherton made an appearance on Sony Sports' pre-match program on Day 2 to offer peace to Sunil Gavaskar. For a little bit you can be struggling away but then the end result is absolute capitulation on one side. I see him occasionally because he looks after the Essex youth team and my lad [Joshua] plays a bit with Middlesex and so I bump into him maybe twice a year. Since his retirement from the game, Atherton has carved out a successful career in the media. Hell be fine as long as he doesnt mention penises., Armando Iannucci seemed possessed by his most famous creation, sweary spin doctor Malcolm Tucker, at a Bafta screening for his new HBO sitcom Veep last night. The result of the match was later changed to a draw, then altered again to an England win. from their positions for the remainder of the match, both have been fined and Smith is banned for the final Test of the series. On the night of the shootings, the sisters and other family members had been out to a local rugby club without Mr Atherton, who grew angry when his son Mick told him they were together. Because for most people - not Beefy and one or two other greats - but most people are not going to go through a cricket career without having struggles and difficult times. Great example of how NOT to get your century. There was a day in the recent Ashes, at Melbourne I think, when it was 44 degrees and you can forget how bloody difficult that is. Atherton believed that this innings was the best answer he could have given to the 'gutter press'. 30th Mar 2021, 10:50pm. that he formulated a plan to alter the ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. He went to Matraville High School and mixed with the Indigenous community at La . In ODIs, one century came in the first innings and the other whilst chasing. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) COLLECTION - denton audenshaw. England maybe won't be tested in the same way, they won't have perhaps the same level of pace and aggression to deal with but they're going to be tested in different ways. "I have no clue and I have never asked my parents why. Please see description for grading methodology Grading methodology is As Follows: M (MINT) - Album is brand new, sealed, and unplayed.. [28][29] This doggedness prompted Steve Waugh to dub him "The Cockroach",[30] but his record against Australia was modest. Although Atherton led England to victory in the first test of the 1997 Ashes at Birmingham, England's only victory in an Ashes Test that was not a dead rubber between 1986 and 2005, England lost the series 3-2. After TV pictures appeared to show him applying dirt to the ball, Atherton insistedexternal-link he had only "put some dust in my pocket from a used pitch to keep my hands and the ball dry". Dame Kelly Holmes is much in demand in the run-up to the Olympics. Michael was a captain of the team and scored almost thirty five hundred runs and took one hundred seventy wickets. Gates appeared on the ITV show back in 2008. Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. This BBC Sport guide tells you how to and provides a glossary for those new to the sport. You need to be honest and forthright but I do think it's very dangerous to forget how difficult the game is. [Laughs] Well, the next Test match which was at the Oval, I was out lbw, first ball I think to Fanie de Villiers, but I got a big inside edge [so not out] and motioned as I was leaving the crease to the edge of my bat to suggest as much. On one night out in Hampstead, first his car wouldnt start and had to be trailered back to Essex. Me. [12] During this time he represented his university, the Combined Universities cricket team (which he captained to the quarter finals of the Benson & Hedges Cup in 1989) and his county. [10], Entering Downing College, Cambridge, to read History, he was selected at 18 to play for Cambridge University Cricket Club and awarded a blue. We sit in an air-conditioned box. In 1989, Michael was picked as the vice-captain of the team for a game against Zimbabwe. Michael led England to a win in the third Test at the Oval, tying the series, despite failing to score a century. Our clients rely on GLG's global team to connect with powerful insight across fields from our network of 1mil+ experts (and the hundreds of new experts we recruit every day). Micheal Atherton's wife Isabelle De Caires is reported to have moved into England after her marriage to the British cricketer. bPicture: dave williams . The royal couple enchanted the nation as they exchanged vows, though the . After this incident Atherton and England headed to Headingley for the second Test. Highlights of his later career however included man of the match-winning Test centuries at the Oval and Karachi in 2000, in Tests which ensured England rare Test series victories respectively against the West Indies (their first for 31 years),[24] and Pakistan (their first for 18 years). This listing is for the victorian trade membership card shown. Former captain Michael Atherton says it was strange that England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) called off the Pakistan tour, citing players' welfare but allowed them a three-month window to play . Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? The action, understandably, put him on the verge of. He can't quite compete on the runs, but nobody gets close to him on 383 wickets. By I think there might be a bit of envy, who knows? Smith and vice-captain David Warner have stepped down from their positions for the remainder of the match, both have been fined and Smith is banned for the final Test of the series. Analysis and opinion from the BBC's cricket correspondent. Droylsden, Manchester. ** Du Plessis was found guilty of ball-tampering by the International Cricket Council. He sits there making judgments about players that are much better than he ever was, believe me, hes a p***k. How can he talk about a player like [current England opening batsman] Alastair Cook who is 10 times the player he ever was he has a much bigger average and will go on and on. If Joshua makes it into Middlesex's first-team, hopefully he will be able to emulate his father. We were all at dinner in this private room and somebody said there are a whole load of cameramen and what have you outside and the matre d' said, Well there's a fire escape out the back, just head off that way. When a teenage university student scores a hundred against a county side, at best a few eyebrows are raised. Atherton played one of his best innings, grinding out 99 before being caught and bowled by Brian McMillan. Michael denied all allegations of ball tampering but the evidence spoke against him and the charges were not dropped as television pictures were damning and showed Michael deliberately putting dirt on the ball. Speaking to the Londoner, all his bonhomie turned to scowls when the subject of his erstwhile England colleague, former captain and now Sky TV and Times journalist Michael Atherton, came up. View the profiles of professionals named "Michael Atherton" on LinkedIn. Root's position as England's Test skipper has been questioned after another Ashes series defeat in Australia. There are 100+ professionals named "Michael Atherton", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. In Tests, 13 of his centuries came in the first innings and 3 in the second innings. I tried writing notes in the dark. "From what I have seen he just blocks the crap out of it, which is pretty similar to me.". Atherton returned to the England side in the summer of 1990, partnering Graham Gooch at the top of the order and giving the first demonstration of his abilities at international level. He'll frequently ask us how many Test wickets we got. "Maybe people look at you slightly differently, thinking you should automatically be able to do certain things and be slightly better because your old man was quite good, but I have never felt that massively and he has never piled that on me," De Caires says. MX23RW : Saturday, December 3 10:00:24| >> :60:271:271: Saturday, December 3 By Andre Haynes. Michael Petersen Commercial photography services will work with you to provide images that exceed your expectations. Michael Andrew Atherton OBE is a former England international first-class cricketer and broadcaster. #cricket. Enter your password to log in. When he does come out, it can often lead to disaster. Former England cricket captain Mike Atherton on the disastrous Ashes tour, fine-dining with Ian Botham and the time he caused Dave "Bumble" Lloyd to lose his famous sense of humour Meet the men paying to have their jaws broken in the name of manliness, James McAvoys lowkey watch is a people's champion, 10 of the best GQ-approved first watches money can buy, The Jamaica x Wales Bonner kit collab is football fashion at its finest, Kyle Sinckler: It's always easier to bounce back from failures than it is from success, The alternative guide to travelling in Europe this year, Five things we learned from the Lionesses' Arnold Clark Cup win, Jakub Jankto is another brave pioneer for gay football fans everywhere, You can finally make sense of the smart casual dress code, Graham Potter is right football has an anger management problem, Mschf's Astro Boy boots have menswear divided, Print copies & Digital access for only 1. During his career Atherton made 18 centuries in international cricket, 16 of which were scored in Tests while the other two came in One Day Internationals. The current salary of this former cricketer is private and his total net worth has also not been made public. Hong Kong SAR. Meanwhile, Trewins predecessor, Eugenie Furniss, left William Morris this year to set up Furniss & Lawton, with Rowan Lawton, herself also. New Zealand have been a good team for a long time now. Do you have a favourite Bumble story?A favourite Bumble story? [7], As a youth, he captained the Manchester Grammar School cricket team, for whom he scored almost 3,500 runs and took 170 wickets. Even the simple things. David Lloyd for the Daily Mail Return to the previous page FAQ: How old is Michael Atherton? He is well spoken, keenly answering each question that comes his way. Suspended one-match ban, overturned on appeal, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was found guilty of ball-tampering during the fifth and final one-day international against Australia at the Waca in 2010, after he was caught by television cameras apparently. His elder son Joshua currently plays cricket for Middlesex Academy. Upon retirement, he served as a journalist for The Sunday Telegraph and Times Cricket in 1998. He also represented Lancashire Schools from 1982 to 1986. Sportsmail columnist Lloyd has written a new book 'Last in the Tin Bath', David Lloyd: Mum used to belt my backside with the accuracy of Glenn McGrath! Visionhaus/Getty Images) Writing in the Times, Atherton stated that he believes Test cricket will suffer as a result of the expansion. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. As well as being seen as struggling against the very best, Atherton has the dubious honour of having the lowest batting average of any player to have scored 6,000 or more runs in Test cricket. You never seemed to have any regrets about when you retired, which at 33 was quite early for a batsman.Well to be quite honest, I didn't have a choice. The brother of former England cricket captain Mike Atherton has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The England team didn't have a press officer until 1998, I think. by the International Cricket Council. He has also written Gambling: A Story of Triumph and Disaster, published in 2006. Opening Up - My Autobiography. A right-handed opening batsman for Lancashire and England, and occasional leg-break bowler, he achieved the captaincy of England at the age of 25 and led the side in a record 54 Test matches. Menu. Associated With He and Alec Stewart are two of the only Englishman to retire with one hundred or more Test caps. So I did. Michael Atherton enjoyed the keeper's chirping - which you can watch in the video above - and says he has no issue with "organic, natural and funny" words on the field during matches. It was reported to the on-field umpires by the TV umpire and, after discussions with Afridi, the ball was changed. Loves rich tea biscuits and weak tea. Michael Atherton was born on March 23, 1968 in Failsworth, Lancashire, England. He led England to a win in the third Test at the Oval, which tied the series, although he failed to score a century. Atherton was born in Failsworth, Lancashire, England. De Caires is his mother's maiden name - his mother, Isabelle, is the granddaughter of Frank de Caires, who played three Tests for West Indies in the 1930s. They might say, We don't want you anymore, but for the moment I'm very happy doing what I'm doing. Which Test cricketer was known as the "Cockroach", and why? I always call him Alastair, said Iannucci. He was also dismissed for nought on 20 occasions at Test level, which was an English record at the time of his retirement.[33]. C***! This prompted Bacon nervously to ask: Are there any journalists in the audience?. [8] His performances led to selection for the England under-19 team, which he captained aged 16. It takes all sorts of different characters to make a team, and Shane Warne and Hussain make quite a contrast. "Taylor, who scored more runs at a better rate than me, was mentioned on Twitter and someone got his name wrong. Although Michael made a century in the third test in Sydney, he averaged only thirty one for his two hundred seventy nine runs and England lost by the score of 3-0. I think Nasser Hussain mentioned Joshua on commentary at today's Test match. His breakthrough innings may have been slow but he is targeting a place in the Middlesex team across all formats. 31-Mar-2021. No agonies there, then. Postal entrepreneur; First marriage & quarries; Second marriage & Prior Park; Death; The Will and the Missing Earl; Bathampton & Claverton Manors; Prior Park after Ralph Allen. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Times change. [15] Atherton's chance came when several England players announced their decision to go on a rebel tour to South Africa and so were banned from the Test team. David Lloyd: Mum used to belt my backside with the accuracy of Glenn McGrath! Michael Atherton Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family Michael Andrew Atherton OBE (born 23 March 1968) is a broadcaster, journalist and retired England international cricketer. As of 2021, any insiders on her personal life and whereabouts have not been published to the media outlets yet. But his victims arrived at the house in Horden, County Durham, before he left. Michael Atherton was considered to be a leading batsman for England during the 1990's. "I couldn't tell you for the life of me. He had previously been fined half his match fee for scuffing the ball on the zip of his trousers against Pakistan in 2013. But Mrs McGoldrick's party arrived home before Mr Atherton left, and his partner accused him of assaulting her earlier that night, Det Supt Paul Goundry told the inquest. In 2006 Atherton wrote in the Telegraph: The only positive benefit of the injury to Flintoff may be the end of his immediate captaincy ambitions. Sometimes Nasser will tell us he has seen enough of us during the day and will stay in his hotel room on his tod. "Anyone in a similar position would say England is the ultimate goal," De Caires says. Read about our approach to external linking. The Queen is my role model, she told friends including Lord Cranborne, Craig Brown, Daisy Waugh and Andrew Barrow, to whose daughter Blossom, who died recently, the book is dedicated. And you said your son is playing for Middlesex now. It would be foolish to try to be something you're not. **In the piece I read, he dropped in references to "jus" and "foam" quite convincingly, which I thought suggested some expertise in the fine-dining area. Cricket legend, obdurate batsman, anti-cheer commentator. 10. "[citation needed], He was one of the commentators in 2011 Cricket World Cup. Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was held responsible for his team's actions but then cleared of the ball-tampering charge by an ICC tribunal. News about Michael Atherton on Media Mole with the latest celebrity news, biographical information, pictures and more. Sunday 1st January 2012, 42-year- old Michael Atherton shot his partner, Susan McGoldrick aged-47, he also shot her sister Allison Turnball aged-44, and Ms Turnball's daughter Tanya Turnball aged-24, before turning the gun on himself. A quick search online, however, revealed a plethora of spirituality sites devoted to the . At no point does De Caires shy away from talking about his father. I don't know if that will always be the case. Michael Atherton, a former England international first-class cricketer, married Isabelle. I'd help myself to about 14 runs in that time. After Adelaide, the second Test I was at the press conference and Joe Root was talking about why England had lost and a seasoned old, Australian journalist leaned over to me and said, "If you haven't got the cattle, you haven't got the cattle." The bottom line in the IPL is that market forces dictate. Join Facebook to connect with Michael Atherton and others you may know. During this period he also worked as a commentator for BBC Radio and Talksport on Test matches outside England. I've been thinking about him quite a lot recently with all the coverage of the Munich 60th Annivesary. Last month, 18-year-old Josh de Caires - son of ex-England batsman Michael Atherton - scored 118 against Yorkshire for Leeds-Bradford Universities. Cancun and The Bahamas are incredible destinations, both with vibrant cultures, friendly people, unique landscapes, and so much to discover. His playing career included controversy, including ball tampering, and several brushes with the media with whom, by Atherton's own admission, he did not have a good understanding when he was a player. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Stabroek News, David de Caires was yesterday remembered as a man who transcended his place in society to touch many lives. "We are both slightly stubborn," De Caires says. And it seems Flintoff has never subscribed much to Athertons talents as a player and journalist either. Apart from Ben Stokes.Obviously Stokes was a massive loss, his absence was a massive blow. "I can't speak for him, but it feels like he has made a conscious effort not to force me in one direction. (Left to right) Susan McGoldrick, 47, Alison Turnbull, 44 and Tanya Turnbull, 24, were killed, Michael Atherton had a history of domestic and drink-related violence. This was fun; we'd take on all-comers by the way! But ball-tampering is not new and Australia are far from alone in trying it. Bad light forced the players off shortly afterwards, and when the game resumed after tea Pakistan initially refused to take the field in protest, resulting in the first forfeited match in Test history. There's a balance to be had. Atherton is married to Isabelle De Caires, who is from Guyana, and has two sons, Joshua (born 2002) and Thomas (born 2005). Michael was not breaking any rules as it is widely known that plenty of bowlers improve their grip in this manner. A right-handed opening batsman for Lancashire and England, and occasional leg-break bowler, he achieved the captaincy of England at the age of 25 and led the side in a record 54 Test matches. Paperback - 12 May 2003. *Former Times columnist Anatole Kaletsky has written his debut column for Reuters, Can the rest of Europe stand up to Germany? Social media has made things much more difficult than when I played, the instantaneous reaction to everything makes life very difficult. How involved are you?I try and tread a fine line between giving him opportunity and encouragement and keeping the hell out of the way. [3] He had several famed bouts with bowlers including South Africa's Allan Donald[4] and Australia's Glenn McGrath. Michael has received the Sports Journalist of the Year award and he is widely loved for his insightful commentary. We've been together for a number of years now. That's a very interesting question. De Caires, born eight months after Atherton's final Test, faced 292 balls at Headingley. Michael Andrew Atherton OBE (born 23 March 1968)[1] is a broadcaster, journalist and a former England international first-class cricketer. A . His father is of Irish and Welsh extraction. It seems fairly relaxed ** Atherton's first tour as captain, to the West Indies in the winter of 199394, was not a success as England lost 31. If you are interested in knowing about her then you are at the right place. This extract was taken from Last In The Tin Bath by David Lloyd. Didn't know that, but I do know they live in Radlett and they are often seen in our nets during 2nd X1 games. If you're not going to use them why bother having them? Although a draw in a Test series against the West Indies in 1995 and victory in Test series at home against India and away against New Zealand suggested that England were improving, the team continued to struggle against the talent of Australia and Pakistan. Atherton stated that this innings was the best answer he could have given to the 'gutter press'. Michael Atherton was born in 1950, Liverpool, England - the eldest of five children. In 2002 he produced his autobiography: Opening Up. The key for me is to stay curious and interested and not to think you know it all and you can just rest on your laurels. Personal Life Michael is married to Isabelle de Caires but there is no information available as whether or not they have any children. , updated Is knowingly spreading an infectious disease a crime? Michael Atherton, 42, shot himself, his partner Susan McGoldrick, her sister Alison Turnbull and Ms Turnbull's daughter Tanya on New Year's Day 2012. It should be said that the contracted players now are doing pretty well out of the game. Not only is "Athers", as he is known these days, England's seventh-highest Test match run scorer of all time, he's also an incisive and insightful commentator and a deservedly garlanded journalist, as comfortable penning a learned monograph on Guyana (where he met his wife-to-be, Isabella) as he is with his daily bread-and-butter of cricket. But it was a different world. Former England cricket captain Mike Atherton on the disastrous Ashes tour, fine-dining with Ian Botham and the time he caused Dave "Bumble" Lloyd to lose his famous sense of humour. Isabelle De Caires is the wife of Michael Atherton. Atherton averaged in the 30s for England and yet he thinks he can judge others., Asked whether he minded saying this to a journalist, Flintoff, who was accompanied by his glamorous wife Rachel, said: I dont care. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. 2023 BBC. He is an actor, known for Trevor's World of Sport (2003), The Ashes (1930) and Wisden Trophy (1963). Punishment: Inzamam banned for four matches. Doctor Who actor Matt Smith is keen to enter into the Olympic spirit. : Read about our approach to external linking. He generally would take the practical jokes well apart from one day at Derbyshire when we got beat, I think in the last over. [Laughs] It's strange, though, looking back at it. Probably fishing on a river with Bumble. While there is not much information available about Michaels parents or family, it is known that Michaels father, Alan Atherton played for Manchester United as a goalkeeper. Between 2002 and 2005, he was a member of the Channel 4 commentary team for the coverage of Test cricket in England. But that might not reflect some of the struggles along the way. [31] and he was dismissed 19 times by Glenn McGrath, the Australian opening bowler, a record for any bowler against one batsman. Will Young, winner of 2002 Pop Idol, is marking the decade since his victory with an autobiography. MA Atherton Tests Innings by innings list, Batsmen Dismissed Most Times by Same Bowler, "Statistics / StatsGuru / MA Atherton / Test Matches", "1st Test, New Zealand tour of England at Nottingham, Jun 7-12 1990", "2nd Test, India tour of England at Manchester, Aug 9-14 1990", "3rd Test, England tour of Australia at Sydney, Jan 4-8 1991", "2nd Test, England tour of West Indies at Georgetown, Mar 17-22 1994", "5th Test, England tour of West Indies at St John's, Apr 16-21 1994", "1st Test, New Zealand tour of England at Nottingham, Jun 2-6 1994", "5th Test, West Indies tour of England at Nottingham, Aug 10-14 1995", "2nd Test, England tour of South Africa at Johannesburg, Nov 30 - Dec 4 1995", "3rd Test, India tour of England at Nottingham, Jul 4-9 1996", "3rd Test, England tour of New Zealand at Christchurch, Feb 14-18 1997", "1st Test, South Africa tour of England at Birmingham, Jun 4-8 1998", "2nd Test, England tour of South Africa at Port Elizabeth, Dec 9-13 1999", "2nd Test, Zimbabwe tour of England and Ireland at Nottingham, Jun 1-5 2000", "5th Test, West Indies tour of England and Scotland at The Oval, Aug 31 - Sep 4 2000", "3rd Test, England tour of Pakistan at Karachi, Dec 7-11 2000", "3rd ODI, West Indies tour of England at Lord's, May 28 1995", "2nd ODI, Australia tour of England and Scotland at The Oval, May 24 1997", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_Atherton&oldid=1132375242, Athers, Cockroach, Dready, Iron Mike, FEC, Long Handle, This page was last edited on 8 January 2023, at 15:46. I don't know about my favourite, but we had a lot of fun with him when he was coach at Lancashire. During this time, Michael was accused of ball tampering and had a fine of 2000 GBP imposed on him. You'll turn 50 when you're in New Zealand. There are lots of people with lots of opinions in that box, some iconic cricketers who played for England, and as in a dressing-room environment we all have different interests and different people we click with. ex-PFD. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing. Afridi's initial explanation was that he had been "trying to smell it and how it was feeling" but he admitted later he was "ashamed" of his actions, which had been "in the heat of the moment". He is strong off his pads and on the cut and pull. Graham Gooch, frustrated by continual losses against Australia, resigned as captain after the fourth Test and Atherton, aged just 25, replaced him. Jonathan Winsky 24 July, 2011 21:18. That makes you sound like Batman. We provide full postal address and full person contact details for Michael Atherton's agent, manager and publicist. Is it right that your Dad played for Man United?Yes, he did. Feb 2022 - Present1 year 2 months. Please note this is a free Business to Business service only and we regret we cannot deal with charity or media enquiries, which . He was a right-handed opening batsman for Lancashire and England and an occasional leg-break bowler. He believed that Burge was referring to nefarious substances such as resin or lip salve. Michael Atherton is a known as a former famous English Cricket player. Theres no love lost there.. [56][57], three-match series at home against New Zealand, a Test series against the West Indies in 1995, "Individual records (captains, players, umpires): Most matches as captain", "The New Statesman Interview Michael Atherton", "Interview: Michael Atherton The Educated Cricketer", "Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 5th Test 1989", "West Indies v England: Tourists subside as venomous pitch bites the top order", 1st Test: England v New Zealand at Nottingham, 712 Jun 1990 | Cricket Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo, Cricinfo 1st Test: England v India at Lord's, 2631 July 1990, "Statistics / MA Atherton / Test matches", "Full Scorecard of Pakistan v England 3rd Test 2000-1", England vs South Africa 1995/6 2nd Test Scorecard, England vs South Africa 1995/6 2nd Test Report, England vs South Africa 1998 4th Test Scorecard, England vs South Africa 1998 4th Test Report. [5] Atherton often played the anchor role at a time when England batting performances lacked consistency.[3]. David and Beefy are a bit more high-end than we are, although I have to say that Bumble himself is not immune to a few oysters here and there. If you are interested in knowing about her then you are at the right place. He had previously been fined half his match fee for scuffing the ball on the zip of his trousers against Pakistan in 2013. I know I'm not as funny as he is so I don't try to be. He commentates on all forms of the game, home and abroad, as well as covering some domestic matches. Who do you think the winner is there? But the move will open up memories of previous literary divisions. Well, he is an Accrington boy. A very straightforward, nice fella. Root and Carrie Cotterell got engaged in early 2016 and married in the cricketer's hometown of Sheffield two years later. "I started series one that night and am now a hefty way through, which is probably not good for my degree. View Michael ATHERTON's notice to leave tributes, photos, videos, light candles and for funeral arrangements did you know that mike atherton's son play for our under 9's. You need to remember that. Also, he was one of the commentators in 2011 Cricket World Cup. Strictly speaking, Atherton was not breaking the laws he pointed out that plenty of bowlers improve their grip on the ball by rubbing their hands on the pitch.[21].