Unsporting cricket!
Photo: AFP
The recent controversy which occurred surrounding the second Test between India and Australia (played at SCG), was indeed very unfortunate. The world was shocked to see a revered umpire like Steve Bucknor making such terrible decisions. In addition, Mark Benson was also guilty since he should never have relied on fielders for making a decision when he could have easily taken help from the third umpire. It is true that the Australians do not play the game with the “right” spirit ; they cross the limit quite too often ( too much sledging and unnecessary aggression). They are too proud of themselves and feel that since they are the best team in the world, they can dominate and pressurize everyone; even the umpires. But the Indian team and BCCI, taught them a lesson . The Indians made them realize that not everyone is vulnerable to the “biased” treatment of the match referee and umpires. The Indian team (particularly the senior players such as Sachin and Kumble) and their board took the right stepsas they even threatened to boycott the series. That is the attitude that is required to deal with the Australian team and inefficient match referees like Mike Procter. I agree that what Harbhajan said was not right but the Australians had a chance to resolve the situation but they instead opted for more trouble. That even their own people feel that Ponting and his men do not play with the right attitude made things much clearer. I personally feel that the ICC itself also requires more transparency because in 2005 they preposterously gave the “Spirit of Cricket” award to the most undeserving candidateEngland. From now on, the Australian team must realize that their antics will only dent their country's reputation further.
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