The preamble to the laws of cricket is the preamble, the spirit of the game. Ok, so there are laws, better known as rules, so the umpires make their decisions based on the laws of cricket. So when we see the Alex Carey stumping of Jonny Bairstow, it was within the laws of the game and rightly given out.

So let’s take a look at the spirit of cricket as published by the MCC, let us see how the MCC fared here. Did MCC members show respect to the players forced to walk through the Long Room? No. Did they respect the authority of the umpire? No. What about creating a positive atmosphere? No again. Show self discipline even when things go against you? No, they did not. Congratulate the opposition on their successes? No, they just complained. So who is complaining about the spirit of cricket again? Oh, no fine leg to stand on here.

• Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket.
• Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires.
• Play hard and play fair.
• Accept the umpire’s decision.
• Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise.
• Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.
• Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team.
• Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.
• Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.

The MCC is not above the laws of cricket, they are ok when the game or series is going their way but quick to invoke the sprit of the game that is not actually aligned to the laws of cricket. What galled many is the hypocrisy, the MCC issued a statement at the end of day 4 on the laws of the game when the third umpire ruled the Mitchell Starc catch of Ben Duckett not out. The preamble of the spirit of cricket does not overrule or override the laws of cricket, this is especially true when you tried the same stumping move on on day 2 of the match but missed the stumps. Behaving like a bunch of sore losers – pull your heads in and get on with it.