Parore: Aussies need to move on from sledging

Adam Parore, a self-confessed king of sledging in a different sporting age, has praised the new attitude in world cricket and admits to cringing at some antics from his playing days.

The Aucklander, a world class wicketkeeper/batsman over a 13-year international career, has weighed in on the Ashes 'beergate' stir, describing the belligerent Australians as "dinosaurs...howling at the moon."

Australian captain Michael Clarke refused an invitation from his English counterpart Alastair Cook for the teams to have a drink after England's first test win at Cardiff, with bowler James Anderson - a renowned contributor to sledging lore - revealing England and New Zealand had happily met after their two recent matches.

Parore understood the Australian position so early in the five-match series, but also believed they were the "holdouts" in a healthier, new cricketing atmosphere, and would soon fall in line. It was not only the right way to go, but important in terms of cricket competing for its audience.

"I look at it two ways, from an ex-player's perspective and a father's perspective," Parore - a controversial player in his time - told the Herald.

"The Aussies still play with a fair bit of mongrel, howling at the moon, raging at the machine. They are a bit of a throwback. I can understand that and might even like a bit of that, but the world is a very different place.

"We have lost a little bit in terms of the spectacle but made huge gains in how the game is perceived. The role of technology is important as well, because we are accountable 24/7.

"Hey, I'd never heard the word humble until 2009. Some of us might think bring back the biff, but I work with a lot of younger people now and I can tell you that they just don't like that stuff. Social attitudes are different.

"I have huge respect and pride in how Brendon McCullum and New Zealand have led the change. Brendon, Kane (Williamson), Trent (Boult) are great examples to kids, and I like the way kids look up to them. And kids do pay attention."

Parore was a central figure in a New Zealand team famed for its aggressive attitude, and the 44-year-old described himself and all-rounder Dion Nash as the sledging captains.
The actual captain, Kiwi cricketing great Stephen Fleming, was deliberately distanced from the operation.

"It was a calculated tactic and we were products of a different age - it has to be seen in the context of the times," said Parore.

"It was a calculated tactic, a piece in the puzzle but not a huge piece. Behind every great general there needs to be a bad colonel. It was on a need-to-know basis but Flem knew what was going on.

"On occasions we would have a beer with the Aussies...there were no issues at all, it wasn't personal, unless you stepped over a line.

"But I am really embarrassed looking back...I do cringe, absolutely. The world is a different place now.

"The trend is clear and Australia will have to change. Maybe not in this series, but it will happen soon. Cricket must be a product that people want to be involved with."