The problem of sport

[El Gordo]

If we are talking disincentives here, then I'd offer the ghastly spectacle of a rugby team in full post-match rehydration mode. There is nothing in such an egregious performance to boost the appeal of the underlying activity.

Tom is generous towards cricket, but I have to say that while I can get carried away with the romance of the game -- and can happily watch it, particularly if the Aussies are offering themselves up for sacrifice, as is their modern preference -- that darn ball is just too bloody hard. If it were just a bit more fluffy and rubbery, instead of being made of granite, I would have been more enthusiastic about seeing it hurtling towards me at 100 miles per hour.