Captains apologising for team failures is approaching the status of a cliché in the modern game. It is undoubtedly a noble gesture, this acceptance of responsibility. It is both theatre and therapy. It is good PR, and a way of restoring the bond between team and fan, a reassurance that disappointment is shared, and nobody hurts alone.

Following England’s surrender in the opening Test of the Ashes series, skipper Ben Stokes said, “I could have been a lot better as captain. I wasn’t as clear as I normally am.” In India, Rishabh Pant said after losing to South Africa, “Sorry we couldn’t live up to expectations this time… we will work hard, regroup, refocus and reset to come back stronger and better as a team and individuals.”

The captain’s apology, like the switch hit or data analysis, is an aspect of contemporary........

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