This ain't cricket(-worma)
Afridi is apparently(news heard on BBC, not yet confirmed) banned for a test and two ODIs. Those of you watching pretty much know why. Those who didn't....well....he, sort of, tried to dig a hole in the middle of the pitch to help *his* bowling...and, sort of, in the middle of the match...with all cameras focused on him. Not smart of him, right? Its a pity, because it could have been his match *without* this..uhh..act.
And on the other hand, Jonathan Agnew is not happy with the English bowler's habit of throwing down the batsman instead of stumps.
I think Indian team management should take note. And be prepared when English come touring. Maybe a pre-agreement on the code of conduct on this aspect would be a good idea?
update: Ok Afridi's ban confirmed...for 'scratching' the surface (if you scratch your skin like that you'd be in jail for attempted suicide ;-)
And on the other hand, Jonathan Agnew is not happy with the English bowler's habit of throwing down the batsman instead of stumps.
It is also time that the authorities acted to stamp out the practice of fielders intimidating the batsmen by throwing the ball at them.
It is not in the spirit of the game - it is open hostility, and it is only a matter of time before a batsman is seriously injured.
Ten years ago, a bowler in a similar situation to Harmison would make to throw the ball at the stumps, but would not actually let it go.
Now it seems to be open season.
I think Indian team management should take note. And be prepared when English come touring. Maybe a pre-agreement on the code of conduct on this aspect would be a good idea?
update: Ok Afridi's ban confirmed...for 'scratching' the surface (if you scratch your skin like that you'd be in jail for attempted suicide ;-)
posted by worma at
1:33 PM
14 Comments:
worma,
The intimidation from fielders who throw at the batsmen didnt start with the Enlgishmen. The Aussies started it. I vividly remember their unsettling tactics against INdia, 3rd test, Chennai, 2001. Of course, it didnt work.
I am sure all this is within the spirit of the game which Ponting talks about all the time.
As for Englishmen, they are renowned for copying their idols, the Aussies. So, anything they do is fair too.
Afridi: do you have any brains? (Its just a rhetorical Q, I know the answer).
Suraj,
Dont worry, we Indians wont give them a chance to cry like that. I want our curators to prepare pitches which give turn and more importantly bounce. A study on the facial expressions of those Englishmen will be good material for stand up comedies.
By
Toney, at 14:14
abhishek: he's banned from next test onwards....so he can continue to play this match. Although, with such blatant violations, it would be a good idea to extend the punishment to the same match also....atleast let the team feel the pinch.
By
worma, at 14:15
toney, yeah I also don't think the Brits invented that intimidation. But they're using it now on a more regular basis it seems. Remember Hayden complained about exactly the same issue, and we dismissed it as a case of sour grapes (or sour losers or whatever). But now they've 'created' a wicket with that tactic...and I think it would be good for us to take note and definitely discuss it with the Eng team when they come.
By
worma, at 14:18
Hey, if Afridi is guilty of this, shouldnt the match be abandoned :)?
And I thought Pak would take a controversy free 2-0 lead, perfect for us to face both these teams. Pak is best to play when they are complacent and England are the biggest whiners, so guys like Harmison will already be missing cold and wet England
By
Toney, at 14:18
Exactly my take Toney.
The pitch is digged in middle of this match .. and the impact shown in other match ..
dosen't seem right .
By
Pankaj Tripathi, at 14:30
I guess another Eng Pak series gets its share of controversies. But I think the players dont have any problems with each other personally, which is good.
IMHO, if Afridi is found guilty, the match should be abandoned.
Pankaj, exactly. Now he can make use of the pitch he doctored.
By
Toney, at 15:03
suraj,
Remember this incident (was it in SA?) when our openers were SG and SRT. Nel, after each delivery to SG kept walking upto him and giving him a piece of his mind. Whereas to SRT, he didnt utter a word. The commentators likened it to cowardice but IMO, SG handled himself beautifully. He kept smiling at NEl (I think gave the odd piece of advice too) which must have really irritated the big bully
By
Toney, at 15:05
team,
what abt RD's famous reactions during tests 2 and 3 of 2001 against Aus? In Prem's words, the gentleman in RD gave back in kind. I am not criticizing him, he was within his right to do so, especially after SLater got away scot free after the Mumbai test. But appearences are very deceptive :)
By
Toney, at 15:12
suraj, absolutely. The thought of the Venky responds gives me the goose pimples
By
Toney, at 15:19
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
By
Toney, at 15:19
I meant response
By
Toney, at 15:20
If the batsman's stance is outside the crease or if he is attempting a run than the bowler has every right to throw the ball. But with Inzy neither was the case and Harmison had no business throwing the ball. Poor umpiring all-around...especially by the on-field umpires.
Regarding Afridi - plain stupidity and he deserves the ban.
Now about sledging in general...I think its fine as long it doesn't get abusive like the Slater episode or McGrath-Sarwan incident. I think what Andre Nel does is just try to get under the skin of the batsmen and Gambhir did the right thing by not backing away and putting Nel in his place by smashing him all over the park.
By
ClannZú, at 15:42
team, totally agree with what you said
By
Toney, at 15:52
ranjit - those are some very funny conversations...nice to see Shastri give back to that player.
By
ClannZú, at 19:14
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