Cricket team declares after 2.3 overs, wins the Division One title

Carew declared with the score on 18/1 after 2.3 overs.

Published - 29 Aug 2017, 15:47 IST | Updated - 29 Aug 2017, 15:47 IST

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Carew’s final match of the season against Cresselly lasted for a few good minutes after Carew, who held a 21-point advantage over Cresselly, declared after just 2.3 overs, with their score at 18/1. Cresselly cruised home easily, fetching 20 points for the win, but were unable to secure any bonus points and thus Carew won the ‘Division One’ title by a single point. Many former greats have criticized the declaration and said that it went against the spirit of the game.

Former players slam the decision

Former Glamorgan cricketers Steve James, Mark Wallace and Gareth Rees slammed the decision and questioned their stand, with James – who represented England in 2 Test matches before moving into the media – termed the declaration a “disgrace”.

Pembroke County Cricket Club secretary Steve Blowes told the BBC, while Carew’s title would stand, the matter would be discussed by the club’s executive this week. “They haven’t broken any Laws of Cricket nor have they broken any rules of the Pembroke County Cricket Club,” Blowes said. “Whether it’s within the spirit of cricket is a debate. I don’t think it is. I think it’s disrespectful “Nothing can be done about what’s happened now … whether someone will suggest ways of maybe trying to prevent it happening in the future, that might occur.”

Carew didn’t break any law

It has been reported that Carew did not break any law in this instance, the official laws says no team can declare in a one day game, and therefore it will be termed illegal. This particular rule was introduced after a controversial English County game in 1979, where Somerset skipper Brian Rose declared after just one over of their ODI game against Worcestershire. At that time, teams on equal points used to get split based on strike rate, but in the modern game, it has been replaced with the net run rate. In that case, the situation was such that Somerset would have qualified for the quarters, if they had managed to avoid a heavy defeat, and therefore the skipper decided to declare the innings early.

Rose later defended his decision strongly by saying”I had no alternative,” he said. “The rules are laid down in black and white. “If anybody wishes to complain, they should do it to the people who make them.’

Just heard what happened in the Pembs league today. What an embarrassment from @CarewClub shocking behavior
— Gareth Rees (@garethprees28) August 26, 2017