A new joint scheme has been launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in a bid to eradicate 'bad behaviour' in junior cricket.

Play Hard, Play Fair and Stay in the Game has been devised in order to help educate players about challenges they may face and to promote an understanding of the Spirit of Cricket. The initiative has received support from the Professional Cricketers' Association, the English Schools Cricket Association and HMC Schools.

ECB head of non-first class cricket Paul Bedford said: "We want all young cricketers in whatever competitive situation they are in to understand that they have a crucial role to play in upholding the game's historic reputation for fair play." MCC head of cricket John Stephenson added: "We hope this new initiative helps young cricketers to learn about the benefits of teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship, and encourages them to win and lose magnanimously."

Image: shutterstock.com/Jaco van Rensburg