I’M afraid I strongly disagree with the estimable Bryan Lawson (Just not cricket, Letters, July 19).

It’s the umpire’s job to make a decision, not the batsman’s. As for all the English players supporting Broad, so did all the Australians. In fact in the same match, when Australia were batting and just needed 14 to win, the last man out, Brad Haddin, was caught behind but stood his ground and waited for a review, then said to wicket keeper Mat Prior, “Yes, I know I nicked it.”

Stuart Broad’s father, former England captain, Chris Broad, now an ICC test official and match referee, merely said: “I had no idea Stuart was such a good actor.”

Even public school gentleman David Gower said: “He played the game as many have played before him.”

Don’t forget the much-revered WG Grace was notorious for not walking and used to intimidate the umpires until they reversed their decision.

In 1927 sports writer Grantland Rice made the famous quote “It’s not if you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.”

Nowadays it’s more likely to be: “It doesn’t matter how you play the game, it’s if you win or lose.” And especially if it’s the Ashes.

Cynthia Glasby, Southfields Road, Strensall, York.