Spontaneous exchanges should be allowed, not pre-planned ones

The more chatter allowed on the field, the more likelihood a personally offensive comment will slip out. The Warner-de Kock spat in Durban is a classic example.

While players have to take responsibility for their words and actions, it’s rather perplexing that some are encouraged to behave in this manner by captains and coaches. It’s not long ago that Australia chose a wicketkeeper, not for his glove work, but rather for his ability to score runs and promote on-field chatter. Fortunately, this anomaly has now been addressed.

It’s bad enough that the hierarchy encourages this behaviour but the officials do so knowing it’s not them that receive the fine or suspension. It’s about time this situation was rectified. Stiff penalties for all the culprits involved in bad behaviour - behind the scenes included - might change the outlook.

Good, hard, aggressive cricket is the ultimate aim and this will include the occasional on-field spat; it’s bound to happen when highly competitive cricketers are locked in combat.

However, these should be spur of the moment incidents and good umpires see those situations looming and act quickly. Premeditated plans to verbally unsettle an opponent are not part of the game and they should be eradicated by strong officiating. If they’re not, then the players should take the law into their own hands; that will guarantee swift action.