However, there was one jarring note--inconsistent umpiring. Going by recent happenings in Australia and now in India, it becomes apparent that bad umpiring is bringing good sport down. This is not just in cricket. It encompasses all sports. Evidence of cheating, and not just of human error, keeps creeping in. Is this a consequence of big money and internet gambling?

Can it be said that Australia is on top, and India catching up, because of favourable umpiring decisions and taxing tour programmes? Just ask Stephen Fleming, Danish Kaneria and Inzamam-ul-Huq, for example, and you may have an answer. It is about time, surely, that the ICC considers fuller use of technology just as the FIFA has been compelled to do in football.

Ground realities require this and it will be good for the game, all games.