A Song in Sydney

(This blog dates back to January)

The Sydney Cricket Ground as rightly told by Ian Chappell was the only place where the Indian think-tank could have beaten the kangaroos. The Sydney wicket prepared for the contest was so special, that it provided 5 days of noteworthy cricket as what it was not some 10 or 15 years back. The curator deserves accolades; to get a result on the last day with about some minutes barely left must be a curator's dream.

Of Sledging:
The game scaled new height that it involved more than 11 players for the Aussies to pull off a dramatic contest and rewrite history. Australia as a part of their game perfects their invention- Sledging. Very few of their players remain nonchalant while most of them go short in believing their potential when things doesn't go their way. They've made it a compulsive element that even the 20nodd cameras capturing them live couldn't stop them from doing it. It'll remain dominant in every cricket match until the captain comes to the fore, preaches his boys on their behavior. Its absolutely unhealthy considering the growing popularity of cricket. Its high time for the ICC to put a bridle on this fast spreading pathogen.

Of Umpiring Errors:
It still remains obscure among the cricket fans about what to be referred to the third-umpire and what not. But one fact, the people are certain with- it shouldn't be referred to the players. Ricky ponting usually demands decisions, pressurizing umpires. He yells false disappointment on appeals turned down against him, kicks the ground, gazes the batsman and does all sorts of non sense. I wonder what the poor punter would decide when he is asked to judge his own catch. He isn't Jesus Christ. Is He ?? The Umpire wouldn't have lost a penny on referring it to the third umpire.

Ponting's aggression and attitude fails to strike a right balance and its been proved time and again. Awfully, talented youngsters like Michael Clarke get inspired from his captain. The match never seemed to be India's when the benefit of doubt were given to the Aussies. Andrew Symonds who hardly gives a chance, survived many crucial calls and went on to score a match winning 148 to earmark a page in the history books. A Simple apology from the umpire's part would do it all for the ICC. However, the pages can't be torn from the books.

P.S: In case you are unable to differentiate Australian players and umpires in this match then you have simple clue. Those wearing black trousers are umpires and those wearing green caps are Aussies.