Sandy Strang: Clarity at last… the game's afoot!

IT'S official. Cricket Scotland have finally pronounced: "There is nothing within the Laws of the Game that relates to the wearing of football boots or any other form of footwear …"

It is the advice from the Club, Facilities and Officials Group (CFOG) that common sense should be applied by umpires, captains and players. CFOG define "common sense" as that fielders/wicketkeepers wearing football studded boots do not field in positions where there is an opportunity for them to enter the match pitch.

This should be "policed" by the umpires, where present, and the players themselves.

CFOG see the common sense approach as being an important part of the "'Spirit of Cricket' that is integral to our sport". Clearly, of course, as covered by Laws 1.4 and 42.11 & 13, relating to fair and unfair play, folk can't go around wilfully messing up pitches with or without footy boots. 'Twas ever thus. So much for that Western Union decree specifically aimed at outlawing soccer shoes. Time once more, perhaps, to dust down those trusty Adidas F50s?