Bowden advocates cards for sledging

New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden, who is officiating in the ongoing first Test between England and South Africa, is standing in his 47th Test. However, it is only his first at Lord's.

And he has dedicated the milestone in honour of his mother, Jeanette, who passed away three weeks ago.

"I had to make certain I was prepared," the New Zealander, was quoted as saying in The Times.

"I did not want to let Daryl (Harper) down. The first hour will be difficult and there will be a few emotional moments. Mum was everything to me, whether I was involved in sport or academic work, and I am only glad she knew that I would be standing at Lord's."

But the New Zealander, these days, is worried about something else. His prime concern is sledging, and to that end he would like to see yellow and red cards given a try.

"Sledging was out of control for a few years," he said.

"The spirit of the game is just as important as the Laws and penalising players in this way would put pressure on their team-mates and captain. If we do not give it a go, we shall never know if it will work."