Ricky Ponting delivered a stinging critique of England's gamesmanship after a contentious final session in which the hosts' 12th man and physiotherapist made multiple visits to the centre. The Australian captain's comments were tantamount to an accusation of time-wasting by an England side attempting to save the first Test, and will do little to defuse tensions between the two sides following a fractious day's play at Sophia Gardens.
Ponting of course is right.. The right spirit in which the game is played is this
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Aww look..
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26 comments:
He is beyond himself.
Sure, Ponting has never been the model of good behaviour, but I don't know if you've watched the game.
I watched it live and the Cricinfo clip that you link to is loads of BS. He did run to Aleem Dar, but DID NOT charge as written nor did he implore him.
The same Cricinfo bloke then wrote that Ponting had words with Flintoff - YEAH RIGHT !! He was clearly seen to mouth - I caught it mate. That's it. This was because Flintoff stood and wondered if the catch was clean.
But NO the same Cricinfo bloke says Ponting was chirping - you're out, you're out, you're out mate.. Talk about not writing what actually takes place!!
Since you posting on spirit - why no mention on the shoulder barge Broad did to Siddle ??? If Gambhir got a ban for the barge on Watson, why shouldn't Broad be banned ?
Of course he wouldn't - that baby faced douchebag gets away with everything and wouldn't be suprised that he get's away with this as well.
Mate, you have contempt for Ponting and the Aussies - fine, but at least be fair in what you post :-)
TG,
"Mate, you have contempt for Ponting and the Aussies - fine, but at least be fair in what you post :-)"
Contempt - you mean I should be actually investing emotion on Ponting and his mob? Surely I have better things to do :).
As far as fairness goes,and this Ponting quote
""I don't think it was required, he changed [the gloves] the over before and I don't think they'd be too sweaty in one over," Ponting said. "I'm not sure what the physio was doing out there. I didn't see anyone call for the physio to come out. As far as I'm concerned, it was pretty ordinary, really. But they can play whatever way they want to play. We came to play by the rules and the spirit of the game. It's up to them to do what they want to do. "
is accurate, then how is anything else relevant( or equatable)?
--
As regards Broad's behavior, it helps having a dad as match referee. I have spoken at length about what Broad gets away with, on this blog and others.
Cheers,
NC,
The reverse reverse psycho babble is on .. and how :)
Cheers,
I don't know who is right - who is not - I don't care.
Its always good when the aussies miss out and punter fumes. :)
off topic to this post - but the english were ordinary - Anderson - this guy is an incredible tailend batsman - by the end of his career he might hold the record for most innings without a duck. But as a bowler, he has not done much in intl cricket against the best in 7 years.
Broady - another that has to prove himself against the best. (good for the barge though - wonder if they anyway had a beer at the end of day, those two fine lads).
What's up with Sidebottom and Harmy?
And KP - needs to keep that head together.
and Haddin got a hundred!!! now that's one hell of an ouch.
Prospects not good for the poms. hopefully this was just a slow start for them.
Maresh,
The fact that you can name as many bowlers as you did is testament to the fact that England has reserves in the bowling department that they can call on.
Australia,in contrast are fairly limited after the first XIV.
Given the schedule, and accounting for the fact that Johnson (44 overs), Hilf (42 overs) and Siddle (45 overs) have clocked in excess of 40 overs, there is the real possibility that the Australian bowlers will run out of puff by the time this series is decided.
Cheers,
Homer - you optimist!
"tere mooh mein ghee shakkar" :)
Naresh,
My apologies for mis-spelling your name in the previous comment.
Optimist - no, just my reading of the game.
Cheers,
Mate
For someone who professes not to have emotion and time for Ponting and his mob, you do post something about them the moment a series involving them starts !!
It's an itch you have to scratch don't you mate !!!
Also, the point about bowlers.. Sure Eng have variety, but fat load of good it did - 650 plus, two days in the field, 6 wickets to show.. My what show of confidence.
After that ' effort' their supposed talisman Flintoff is crocked yet again.
Hmm, no worries or issues to sort out for Strauss.
I know which camp I would definitely be in and it isn't the one with the three lions !
Cheers
TG,
So are you condoning Ponting's hypocrisy?
Are you telling me that just because it is Ricky Ponting, he is allowed to say one thing and do something totally contrary? And when he is called out on his actions,it is alright for him to make for the "you are questioning my integrity" call?
I did not ask him to make every action of his a moral statement which, if contradicted, is an assault on his integrity.
But if he chooses to profess such high degree of integrity that he finds it necessary to berate all and sundry for their lacunae, he has to be judged by those very same standards. Which is what I attempt to do. Nothing more, nothing less.
If he shut his mouth and played the game, like his predecessors did, I would have no problems.. But he pontificates.. And then deems all his ( and his team's) actions excusable. That gets my goat!
As regards bowling, 4 mores tests to go..So we shall see.
Cheers,
Mate
Read my very first post here - it doesn't sound like me supporting Ponting does it ?
All what amused me was why all and sundry pounced on him ( as far as I gathered) when he replied to a query during the post match conference.
When asked a question, what's he supposed to do ? Shut up and not answer ??
Post Sydney, Ponting is on thin ice, but what's wrong in calling a spade a spade ?
See it anyway, what England tried to do yesterday was in poor taste. What's wrong in bringing it up, even if it's from Ponting's mouth !
As per your post - since it's Ponting he's got absolutely no right ??
This is like saying - if someone previously has done something wrong once, she/he has no right to point out if someone else does something wrong.
As per your logic - yes - he/she has no right to bring it up. I don't quite see it the same way.
That's all !
Cheers !
p.s : How much longer will you keep bringing up the ' integrity' statement. He said it once. Period.
Ask yourself this - why is it that Aus - Ind series are always heated? It takes more than one hand to clap !
Are people like Harbhajan/Sree Santh and their ilk innocent and do/say stuff when provoked ? I don't buy that argument one bit.
The more I read about everything negative Australian, the more it seems to be a case of sour grapes.
TG,
Per the ICC rules, there were a minimum of 98 overs to be bowled in the stipulated period of time.
So it is incumbent on the bowling side to get atleast those many overs in in the stipulated period to avoid penalties.
There is no binding on the batsmen to play any more than the stipulated overs.
That is the way it is.
The Physio and the 12th man made their appearance in the 102nd over of the innings ( the 94th over of the day). Australia bowled 3 more overs after that with 10 minutes remaining in the days play.
No one defaulted on the overs - they were completed within the stipulated time. Which is exactly what the law ( as it stands today) stipulates.
Now here is Ponting's reaction, as quoted on Cricinfo
""I don't think it was required, he changed [the gloves] the over before and I don't think they'd be too sweaty in one over," Ponting said. "I'm not sure what the physio was doing out there. I didn't see anyone call for the physio to come out. As far as I'm concerned, it was pretty ordinary, really. But they can play whatever way they want to play. We came to play by the rules and the spirit of the game. It's up to them to do what they want to do.
"A few guys were questioning the umpires, a few guys were questioning the 12th man, but it's not the 12th man's fault. Someone from upstairs was sending him out there. That's where it needs to be taken up. There was nothing there that we could do out on the ground. We had to get them off as quick as we could and get a couple more overs.
"I was unhappy with it, but it lasted a couple of minutes, and we got them off the ground. I don't want to make that big a deal with it. I'm sure others will be taking it up with the England hierarchy, as they should. It's not the reason we didn't win. We've got to look at those reasons." "
Now, if the ICC is to apply the rules as they stand, shouldnt Ponting be pulled up for bringing the game to disrepute ?
As regards your zero sum argument, Aussies not knowing what constitutes a legal catch or what constitutes a legal bowled has nothing to do with any other nation does it?
"How much longer will you keep bringing up the ' integrity' statement. He said it once. Period. " - erm, havent Ponting and Haigh brought up Gavaskar's walkout in 1981 when they criticized him? I suppose that is kosher given that it is Ponting doing the talking.
"Ask yourself this - why is it that Aus - Ind series are always heated? It takes more than one hand to clap !" - true, but I havent seen the Indians go to press conferences and talk about how the opposition should have played and the sirit of the game and stuff like that. That remains Ponting's prerogative.
"Are people like Harbhajan/Sree Santh and their ilk innocent and do/say stuff when provoked ? I don't buy that argument one bit." - neither do I but I havent seen either make a song and dance of it after the fact, unlike a certain someone.
"The more I read about everything negative Australian, the more it seems to be a case of sour grapes." - Sour grapes? Think again.
Cheers,
Mate
Let me make my point once again. All Ponting did was to state what was obvious gamemanship. All and sundry state that - he's got no right to say so. I say it's hogwash. A fault it a fault, no matter who brings it up.
He never said it was the reason Aus didn't win. He said it wasn't right.
If Aus does the same thing - you are more than right to bring it up, berate the whole team. Do as you please.
But for now, I don't buy with the rest of the folk - that Ponting has no business to bring it up. He has every right to do it.
To the other points :
As to claiming bump catches - 1. Jonty Rhodes against India in Durban - the Standard Bank series final during the 1996 tour.
2. Moin Khan against Ind at Chennai in 98-99 series,
3. Dhoni's ' catch' of Pietersen at Lords - sure KP came back to bat, but only after the blokes from the dressing room told him to wait. If it was during the Moin Khan/Rhodes era catch, no replay, and he would have been OUT.
MDS did ' claim' the catch.
I didn't see anyone put pictures of Dhoni claiming a bump catch. All swept under the carpet..
So much for not claiming bump catches.
Aren't you contradicting yourself wrt to Ponting bringing up Gavaskar's MCG incident.
As per you argument - Gavaskar didn't play in the spirit of cricket in 1981 by asking Chauhan to walk off, so how does he have the right to question/comment on anyone else's behaviour?
So only Ponting shouldn't question anyone. But Gavaskar can - sorry mate don't see your point here.
Yes, I stand by my statement that rest of the world have a thing against the Australians. Not one moment do I say they are the model of good behaviour - but it's their dominance since the late 90's that has irked all and sundry.
How come none of this was in the media from 2003 when Ponting became the captain, till about 2005/6 ??
Did the Aussies become the model of boorish behaviour only after 05/06 ?
Instead of trying to improve, the rest of the world have been waiting for a dip in the Aussie dominance to pounce on each and every thing.
If that's not a case of sour grapes - not sure what is !
Cheers !
One more thing - how right was it for Gavaskar to bring up the late David Hookes in his comment on Aussie behaviour ?
Some CLASS it showed there.
I don't ever recollect any Australian saying or bringing up any Indian cricketer who has died tragically or otherwise.
Then comes Mr CLASS with his CRASS comment.
Pot,Kettle, Black - words that ring a tune mate ?
TG,
Two things
1. In all of the instances you have illustrated, no one, and I mean no one, came out later to talk about the spirit or the lack of of the game. You want to claim bump ball catches, go ahead, I have no issues with that. But if someone points out that fact, dont go loco on me and start talking about how that is an insult to your integrity. Sorry, but no can do.
2. Gamesmanship does not translate to fault. Gamesmanship is about pushing the boundaries within the gamut of the laws. Fault is to break the law ( deliberately or otherwise). Every team indulges in gamesmanship, from the pre series banter to the pace and tempo at which the game is played, while batting, bowling and fielding. Australia does it more than most - a fact that they are rightly proud of and which I applaud( you have to be creative to push the law to its limit).
But getting all high and mighty when someone else out thinks you is what Ponting does.It may be acceptable to you to me, it reeks of hypocrisy.
Cheers,
PS:- Gavaskar has, on more than one occasion, publicly expressed contriteness for both the MCG incident as well as the 36 he scored in the WC of 1975.
Mr Ponting is yet to do the same.
That, my friend, is the point.
Cheers,
TG,
Continuing on ( hadnt seen your other comments so here goes)
"Not one moment do I say they are the model of good behaviour - but it's their dominance since the late 90's that has irked all and sundry." - That is the world's problem, they were always pushed by India except for 1999. And if they are not a model of good behavior, bit rich they should be soliciting advise on what is good behavior without cleaning thier acts up first.
Also, I stand by what I say - what the world say's is the world's problem, not mine :).
Finally David Hookes. What right minded individual, Indian or otherwise, condoned Gavaskar's comments? Pray tell me.
Cheers,
Mate
Quick repartee to your points on Gavaskar before I head to bed !
Gavaskar has expressed his contriteness for the MCG test and 36 in WC AFTER his playing days. Correct me here - but I don't think he apologised for either when he was STILL a player.
So give Ponting time till he retires before he does his apologies :-)
Just clarify this - how does Gavaskar have any right to talk about behaviour after David Hookes comment ? Sorry it doesn't wash away with an apology. It took him what a good day after the outrage on his comment, to apologise.
So he's got absolutely NO GROUND to talk to anyone about behaviour after that.
Oh and India didn't actually do much when Aus defeated them in 2004 did they ??? 1999 wasn't the only occasion mate !
Cheers,
TG,
"Just clarify this - how does Gavaskar have any right to talk about behaviour after David Hookes comment ? Sorry it doesn't wash away with an apology. It took him what a good day after the outrage on his comment, to apologise.
So he's got absolutely NO GROUND to talk to anyone about behaviour after that. " okay. But if Gavaskar is the justification for condoning Ponting's behavior, not exactly terra firma, is it?
Also, 2004 and 1999 versus 1996, 1998 and 2001 - I can live with that :)
Cheers,
Well, I had to wait to see your repartee !
Just that - if you think Ponting has no right to talk of spirit, then Gavaskar shouldn't as well.You brought up Gavaskar when questioning Ponting's integrity. So I retorted saying - well he isn' the model of good behaviour anyway. So I missed the point you had there !
So if anyone should talk of the lack of terra firma - it's you mate !
Oh sure please do take 1996, 1998, 2001 and also 2008. Aus got 2004 - which meant they had the whole set against all test playing nations. Defeated everyone HOME and AWAY.
Ahem how many decades before India comes even close to matching it?
If and when that is done, how about two times - 16 consecutive test match wins ? Do you think even against Bangladesh India can do the 16 on the trot ?
Then - three consecutive world cups . Joburg 2003 - 359/2 and Ponting 140* - that was sweet wasn't it :)
Ouch, hard stats that hurt doesn't it mate !
Cheers !
TG,
"Just that - if you think Ponting has no right to talk of spirit, then Gavaskar shouldn't as well." - and I have no problem with that line of thinking.
You brought up Gavaskar when questioning Ponting's integrity" - No.
This is what I wrote - ""How much longer will you keep bringing up the ' integrity' statement. He said it once. Period. " - erm, havent Ponting and Haigh brought up Gavaskar's walkout in 1981 when they criticized him? I suppose that is kosher given that it is Ponting doing the talking.".
If Ponting can talk of what happened in 1981 to berate someone, why is it not okay to talk of his "questioning my integrity" statement said in 2008?
"Ahem how many decades before India comes even close to matching it?
If and when that is done, how about two times - 16 consecutive test match wins ? Do you think even against Bangladesh India can do the 16 on the trot ?
Then - three consecutive world cups . Joburg 2003 - 359/2 and Ponting 140* - that was sweet wasn't it :)
Ouch, hard stats that hurt doesn't it mate !" - how is that relevant to the current discussion other than to obfuscate the discussion on hand?
You are entitled to your world view, me to mine.
On this particular point lets agree to diagree.
Cheers,
Tifosi Guy,
Even though this is Homer's blog,
just one question, if you don't mind - are you Australian?
Homer
The stats were given to clarify things to you :-). You replied to my statement that ever since Aus started to dominate cricket since the late 90's the whole world is against them.
You replied - whole world, but India save for 99. I corrected you and said not only 99, but 2004 as well.
To that you quoted - 96, 98, 01.. And for that my final repartee for which you obviously have no stats to counter with.
Pretty "fair" of you to then ask why all the stats - when you started it first !
Cheers !
p.s Naresh : I'm an Indian - born/brought up in Chennai, based in UK now and a die hard Aussie cricket fan.
hmmm - "die hard Aussie cricket fan".
well TG, I guess that explains the "mate" thing going on with you! :)
but no problems ra - yunjay!
Homer
Apologies for using your blog for this.
Naresh - the 'mate' thing is common even in UK. It's not an Aussie thing - as stereotypes go.
All and sundry use the word mate in UK as well !
And yes - the last 15 odd years has been pure bliss as far as cricket goes. Not shabby now either - this present Aus team has a bit more ' steel' than everyone thinks they have :-)
Cheers !
TG,
Fair point about the stats. I should have been a little clearer in what I said namely that India is the only country that has gone toe to toe with Australia during thier glory years bar 1999 ( when we were swept).
Anyways, that is that.
Thanks for the robust argument, I enjoyed it ( and I know I needed it :) )
Cheers,
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