Gavaskar hits back at Ponting
The row between Ricky Ponting and Sunil Gavaskar has just gone up a notch as Sunny has suggested one of the Australians may get whacked David Hookes style. Here's his extraordinary statement:
"Some day, some other hot head guy might actually get down and, you know, whack somebody who abuses him. There's the example of the late David Hookes. Would the Australians who use that kind of language on the field . . . in a bar, would they get away with it? "Would they have a fist coming at their face or not?"Although I bagged Ricky Ponting earlier, I'll concede that yes, Sunny has gone off his nut here! Dragging up the late Hookesy is both sensationalist and in poor taste.
Nevertheless, there are suggestions that the inappropriateness of Gavaskar's statements as an ICC official somehow excuses Ponting's earlier response. Didn't your mother teach you that being bullied doesn't excuse you bullying back? There's a saying in Australia that the second most important job behind the Prime Minister is the captain of the Australian cricket team. While it's just a joke (the actual second most important job in Australia is hosting 'Who wants to be a millionaire'), it does give an indication of the high profile and statesmanlike importance of the Australian captaincy. I for one as an Australian would like to see Ponting respond to criticism, poor umpiring decisions and stressful match situations with just a little more class and aplomb. In other words, I'd love to see him behave as well as he bats.
| Posted by JC on Wed 14 Mar |  52 comments |
Once again look at the double standards applied here. I would call this as inciting violence against Australian. A bit of a stretch but imagine if an Australian had said this about the Indian team?
I told you Gavaskar has a chip on his shoulder against Australia, going back to that attempted walkoff in 1981 against Lillie etc. So for him its not Ponting he is complaining about but the WHOLE Australian team since that day in 1981.
Ignoring people's opinion on Ponting response, Gavaskar should be sacked or at least reprimanded this is unacceptable behaviour from the ICC. Gavaskar is an official from the ICC. He should be sacked immediately. This is pathetic behaviour. He is not some old cricketer trying to recapture his spotlight. This is a representative of the ICC speaking.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-03-14 12:16:09
I told you Gavaskar has a chip on his shoulder against Australia, going back to that attempted walkoff in 1981 against Lillie etc. So for him its not Ponting he is complaining about but the WHOLE Australian team since that day in 1981.
Ignoring people's opinion on Ponting response, Gavaskar should be sacked or at least reprimanded this is unacceptable behaviour from the ICC. Gavaskar is an official from the ICC. He should be sacked immediately. This is pathetic behaviour. He is not some old cricketer trying to recapture his spotlight. This is a representative of the ICC speaking.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-03-14 12:16:09
Well Andrew youre missing the point .All gavaskar is asking is" would the aussies get away with their onfield antics away from the oval ? " . the answer is " no" . Iid like to see that sort of sledging at the local aussie pub pool competition lmao
Posted by antisledging on 2007-03-14 12:25:08
Posted by antisledging on 2007-03-14 12:25:08
Just to make Gavaskar issue a completely laughing matter I refer you to this article dated: April 19, 2006
In which Gavaskar praises Australia for its behaviour and defends Ponting for being reported in Bangladesh.
I take it back, that Gavaskar has got a chip on his shoulder, he just wants to make the news again.
---------------------------
After being extremely critical of their bullying tactics in the past, Sunil Gavaskar said he is finally seeing some improvement in the on-field behaviour of the Australian team and came out in defence of skipper Ricky Ponting, who was fined for showing dissent towards umpires in the first Test against Bangladesh.
http://hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=52524eac-8ed5-49dd-a54a-6944e24b20cf&ParentID=67415cd9-b477-4f9e-a7a8-b0098b1c6152&
-------------------------------
So which is it? Considering Ponting worst problems were in the 2005-2006 series......
Posted by Andrew on 2007-03-14 13:38:21
In which Gavaskar praises Australia for its behaviour and defends Ponting for being reported in Bangladesh.
I take it back, that Gavaskar has got a chip on his shoulder, he just wants to make the news again.
---------------------------
After being extremely critical of their bullying tactics in the past, Sunil Gavaskar said he is finally seeing some improvement in the on-field behaviour of the Australian team and came out in defence of skipper Ricky Ponting, who was fined for showing dissent towards umpires in the first Test against Bangladesh.
http://hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=52524eac-8ed5-49dd-a54a-6944e24b20cf&ParentID=67415cd9-b477-4f9e-a7a8-b0098b1c6152&
-------------------------------
So which is it? Considering Ponting worst problems were in the 2005-2006 series......
Posted by Andrew on 2007-03-14 13:38:21
Note Ponting and Andrews age old tactic of attacking Gavaskar personally instead of refuting his comments . Well andrew , are the aussies unloved by most of the cricket world and are they more unpopular than the west indians of the 80s ? You know the answer mate.
Posted by antisledging on 2007-03-14 13:58:57
Posted by antisledging on 2007-03-14 13:58:57
Interesting link to that old quote from Gavaskar which backs up my own theory. I believe the Aussies made a definite effort to clean up their behaviour culminating in the 2005 Ashes. But when they lost to England, they were worried they'd lost their edge in all this niceness so they reverted back to their nastier, ruthless ways - possibly throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Note - I have no statistics to base this theory on. I haven't tracked the timing of incidents or reports - it's just a general sense of how things have panned out (what I'm saying is it's a half-baked theory but I like it).
Posted by JC on 2007-03-14 14:26:11
Posted by JC on 2007-03-14 14:26:11
If anything I thought Ponting was worse in the 2005 Ashes, (the substitue fielder issue comes to mind). He has had only one report this whole season, he has seemed far more focused and determined.
Anti-sledging thanks for your personal attack on me. My point is that Gavaskar has his own behaviour to look at. As an ICC official he should be neutral, not personally attacking teams randomly as a way to distract them.
Anti-sledging tell you what when ALL THE OTHER CRICKET TEAMS stop sledging and agree to it, I will complain about Australia to. At the moment everyone wants the Aussies to stop because they just happen to be the world champions. Does that mean only the world champions have different rules?
Also what exactly have they done recently that other teams haven't also been doing? Every team Australia has played from the Gayle to Nixon and Collingwood, to Lou Vincent and the Brendon McCullum have been sledging and abusing our players?
I know Australia is special in world, but do try to be even in your criticism.
I don't mind if Gavaskar attacked sledging in general, thats far enough, but to point out Australia and to gloat over it, as a ICC Official is unacceptable.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-03-14 14:43:32
Anti-sledging thanks for your personal attack on me. My point is that Gavaskar has his own behaviour to look at. As an ICC official he should be neutral, not personally attacking teams randomly as a way to distract them.
Anti-sledging tell you what when ALL THE OTHER CRICKET TEAMS stop sledging and agree to it, I will complain about Australia to. At the moment everyone wants the Aussies to stop because they just happen to be the world champions. Does that mean only the world champions have different rules?
Also what exactly have they done recently that other teams haven't also been doing? Every team Australia has played from the Gayle to Nixon and Collingwood, to Lou Vincent and the Brendon McCullum have been sledging and abusing our players?
I know Australia is special in world, but do try to be even in your criticism.
I don't mind if Gavaskar attacked sledging in general, thats far enough, but to point out Australia and to gloat over it, as a ICC Official is unacceptable.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-03-14 14:43:32
This has been a lively topic of debate with many of my Indian friends. My own view is that this are not about Sunny or Punter being right or wrong.
Rather we have two senior figures in the game making complete arses of themselves. Shut up both of you.
Posted by Mark @ Cricforum on 2007-03-14 14:45:22
Rather we have two senior figures in the game making complete arses of themselves. Shut up both of you.
Posted by Mark @ Cricforum on 2007-03-14 14:45:22
Andrew , you know Waugh took sledging to a new level . It became 11 against the batsman.[ MENTAL DISINTERGRATION? was the term} Well , are the Aussies more unpopular than the Windies in the 80s. Yes and why do YOU think this is mate . Aussie kids in the late70s supported the windies in their millions . Gilchrist and Lee are the only aussies who other fans like .
Posted by antisledging on 2007-03-14 14:50:15
Posted by antisledging on 2007-03-14 14:50:15
As an indian i feel its a difference in culture. the aussie culture from the desi (indian) point of view is well.. uncultured and rude, something which aussies might think of as normal behaviour , or at least un-reprimandable. Sunny rightly pointed out the differences between the powerhouse of the past (WI) and the current (Aus). But he shouldn't have brought up that Aussie cricketer's death. I think he was too angry - he has a pretty big ego too.. which was hurt by ponting's attack. Well as long as he gets the aussie's mad before the world cup.. he's helping us desi's cause and doing the sledging for us remotely.
Posted by manoj on 2007-03-14 15:09:29
Posted by manoj on 2007-03-14 15:09:29
Manoj: you may think of Aussie culture as 'uncultured' or 'rude' but don't stake a claim for how almost a billion other people feel about things. As JC is pointing out, there are many Aussies including myself who are calling for a classier response from our national cricket leader to criticism (whether well-founded or otherwise).
Agree with Andrew that ICC fficials have no business making these comments unless they are involved in the marketing side of the game and even then this must surely be seen as a stage show that keeps grassroots fans interested but won't attract much new support).
Agree with JC that Sunny is off his nutter if he makes comments about dead heroes, whatever nationality they may be from, which seem to have little direct bearing on the problems being discussed.
I think it worthwhile to also point out that the official language of the ICC is English and that not everyone who makes comments in that language have full command of the language (nor should they be expected to). Sunny, of course, cannot use that excuse because he knows perfectly well what he is saying. I think we should be cautious though to realise that Punter does not and will never be able to respond to many of the people he makes comments to or about in their native tongue. He should at least act with enough humility towards his opposition by understanding problems have and will occur between people from different cultures and people will react differently to accusations, criticisms, and the dragging up of the past.
Posted by TA on 2007-03-14 15:25:51
Agree with Andrew that ICC fficials have no business making these comments unless they are involved in the marketing side of the game and even then this must surely be seen as a stage show that keeps grassroots fans interested but won't attract much new support).
Agree with JC that Sunny is off his nutter if he makes comments about dead heroes, whatever nationality they may be from, which seem to have little direct bearing on the problems being discussed.
I think it worthwhile to also point out that the official language of the ICC is English and that not everyone who makes comments in that language have full command of the language (nor should they be expected to). Sunny, of course, cannot use that excuse because he knows perfectly well what he is saying. I think we should be cautious though to realise that Punter does not and will never be able to respond to many of the people he makes comments to or about in their native tongue. He should at least act with enough humility towards his opposition by understanding problems have and will occur between people from different cultures and people will react differently to accusations, criticisms, and the dragging up of the past.
Posted by TA on 2007-03-14 15:25:51
Why is hookes a hero?
Posted by antisledging on 2007-03-14 16:16:36
Posted by antisledging on 2007-03-14 16:16:36
He hit 6 boundaries off Tony Grieg in one over. Didn't do much else after that but hey, if you tonk Tony Greig, you've pretty much achieved cult status in this country.
Posted by JC on 2007-03-14 16:21:12
Posted by JC on 2007-03-14 16:21:12
It also has to do with cool last names. Hookesy sounds good. It doesn't quite work the same with named like Darling or McDermott.
Posted by TA on 2007-03-14 20:05:45
Posted by TA on 2007-03-14 20:05:45
It's good to see that we find ourselves on the same side of this non-issue, even though we come from different perspectives... :)
http://cricketingview.blogspot.com
Posted by Kartikeya on 2007-03-14 20:49:51
http://cricketingview.blogspot.com
Posted by Kartikeya on 2007-03-14 20:49:51
I dont think Gavaskar is trying to get some publicity out here as many thing..he has consistently raised his voice against aussie sledging for the last few years..ok he might have just crossed the line a lil bit by reffering to hooks..but he did die in a brawl..and lastly our cricketers go out to play cricket..not get their families -near n dear ones abused!!
Posted by Amar on 2007-03-14 21:24:59
Posted by Amar on 2007-03-14 21:24:59
Kartikeya, your point was made a lot more comprehensively and eloquently than my post though :-)
Posted by JC on 2007-03-14 22:34:46
Posted by JC on 2007-03-14 22:34:46
Ha Ha You guys seriously make me LOL, Huh well no doubt Ponting is a good player and good caption and there
is no doubt Australia has the best chance to win, but the Ques is are australian rude? Definately yes. I
am an australian as well, but does that mean I go and swear at People in the middle of the game, come on guys
no this is not the Australian Value, we were taught, being australian is to respect and be respected, and yes
out cricket Team does not do that. I guess they fall in the same line as Mundine. arrogant, disrespectful and
BEST. So Punter just do your job as a caption and shussh Up, and in BTW dint you say minnors shouldent be in
the world cup, Dude it is called world cup not Australian Cup, and how many overs did it take you to win from
scotland today, hummm 41 aha yes you did win by 203 but 41 overs and your telling they dint give you a fight.
Think Again, so Mr caption my suggestion to you, Talk with you bat on the feild not with you mouth.
Back to the topic, everyone remembers what you did on stage at champion trophy, and you had to say sorry, but
then you said You are decent lol, you make me laugh. So stop talking about Australia will win and bla bla and
do it and that is what I am I guess everyone is interested in.
Posted by Mr.S on 2007-03-15 11:00:31
is no doubt Australia has the best chance to win, but the Ques is are australian rude? Definately yes. I
am an australian as well, but does that mean I go and swear at People in the middle of the game, come on guys
no this is not the Australian Value, we were taught, being australian is to respect and be respected, and yes
out cricket Team does not do that. I guess they fall in the same line as Mundine. arrogant, disrespectful and
BEST. So Punter just do your job as a caption and shussh Up, and in BTW dint you say minnors shouldent be in
the world cup, Dude it is called world cup not Australian Cup, and how many overs did it take you to win from
scotland today, hummm 41 aha yes you did win by 203 but 41 overs and your telling they dint give you a fight.
Think Again, so Mr caption my suggestion to you, Talk with you bat on the feild not with you mouth.
Back to the topic, everyone remembers what you did on stage at champion trophy, and you had to say sorry, but
then you said You are decent lol, you make me laugh. So stop talking about Australia will win and bla bla and
do it and that is what I am I guess everyone is interested in.
Posted by Mr.S on 2007-03-15 11:00:31
If Gavaskar wasn't an ICC official he could say whatever he likes. But he's not. He's a supposed independent member of the ICC and as such should have said bugger all. Most likely he got caught up in the interview and let his opinions get away from him. Goose.
Bringing Hookes into it was tasteless and citing the Windies was stupid. They were every bit as belligerent and sledgey as the Aussies, and not the smiling, hale-well-met paragons of sportsmanship Gavaskar makes them out to be.
(For the record: Ponting tonked Grieg for five fours in that Centenary Test over.)
Posted by Tony.T on 2007-03-15 11:58:57
Bringing Hookes into it was tasteless and citing the Windies was stupid. They were every bit as belligerent and sledgey as the Aussies, and not the smiling, hale-well-met paragons of sportsmanship Gavaskar makes them out to be.
(For the record: Ponting tonked Grieg for five fours in that Centenary Test over.)
Posted by Tony.T on 2007-03-15 11:58:57
Bringing a dead man into your sledge is a very low act. I have lost all respect for Gavaskar. Far from a cricketing great now.
Posted by E.J. on 2007-03-15 12:07:08
Posted by E.J. on 2007-03-15 12:07:08
Actually, I beg to differ about Hookes. I would say he was the player that helped invent the modern form of the game through his excellent strike rates and big hitting. Slater and co. grew up watching people like Hookes play. He was an Australia version of a West Indian player at the time.
Posted by TA on 2007-03-15 12:23:21
Posted by TA on 2007-03-15 12:23:21
Not at all surprised by Aussie behaviour, given that they were all decendents of prisoners (thugs and murderes) being dumped from England. It takes a few generation to get some culture, mate.
Posted by S.J on 2007-03-15 16:46:02
Posted by S.J on 2007-03-15 16:46:02
What's your excuse?
Posted by TA on 2007-03-15 18:16:36
Posted by TA on 2007-03-15 18:16:36
my point is that no sportsmen are heroes lmao all they do is play a game and make their corporate masters mucho dinero
Posted by ANTISLEDGING on 2007-03-16 09:58:17
Posted by ANTISLEDGING on 2007-03-16 09:58:17
Didnt the Waughs allegedly sledge ChrisCairns about his dead sister? The infamous " CHOO CHOO " incident.
Posted by ANTISLEDGING on 2007-03-16 10:01:57
Posted by ANTISLEDGING on 2007-03-16 10:01:57
Maybe that is what Wikipedia says but from last count a side has more than two players on the field if the comments were ever made at all.
Posted by TA on 2007-03-16 11:56:14
Posted by TA on 2007-03-16 11:56:14
I think the Choo Choo sledge is an urban legend - the Aussies deny it and Cairns said it didn't happen. Even Australians have limits!
Posted by JC on 2007-03-16 11:56:18
Posted by JC on 2007-03-16 11:56:18
OK I admit it . The Aussies are a lovely bunch of fellas , beloved the world over lmao .
Posted by antisledging on 2007-03-16 12:35:16
Posted by antisledging on 2007-03-16 12:35:16
All hail the Aussies. They are not racists. And never were. My first exposure to Richie Benaud was in '76 when he was calling Indians cheats. My first exposure to Aussie cricketing commentary was when the Courier Mail of Brisbane called Indians the horizontal champions of the East. No Aussies are a bunch of cultured people. Examples for all. Hail Hair, Hail Lillee, Hail POnting, Hail Border. And even the Aussie cricketer who harassed, deservedly no doubt, an Indian Sheila in a Calcutta night club... But she must have felt privileged. If she didn't that of course was her savagery.
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 14:55:25
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 14:55:25
I should also comment on Border's comments on people not understanding Aussie humour when they tell a batsman he is a lucky bastard. That humour extends no doubt to when they compare their opponents to parts of female anatomy? What about the dear old Aussie cticketer who called Sri Lankans Black cu...s? My cultural deficit no doubt... That was such a cultured comment. And consider the descendents of Shakespear on the Sydney Hill...
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 15:06:36
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 15:06:36
I don't buy the whole "it's our culture" thing either. But just be careful not to paint all Australians with the same brush. We've already gone down the "all Australians are racist" flame wars here before (the irony of such a statement seems to escape those making it). I'd prefer we didn't go down that road again.
Posted by JC on 2007-03-16 15:28:44
Posted by JC on 2007-03-16 15:28:44
Yup... You are of course right. Just that you keep electing a guy who plays the race card at the drop of a hat whenever he is in el;ectoral trouble. And if you think Aussies are not racists... well....ask the Aborigines and the proponents of the white Australia policy.
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 15:31:42
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 15:31:42
Or for that matter me... I had KKK painted on my brief case in Brisbane. But then that of course makes me a racist for daring to mention it.
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 15:34:07
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 15:34:07
Australian politics is a little more complicated than just voting for the racist guy (and I might add that Howard is not polling too well at the moment). Personally, I've voted Howard in the past cause its taken me nearly a decade to forgive Labour for the black hole legacy Keating left us (but Howard's position on Iraq and greenhouse emmissions is giving me serious pause come the next election). The White Australia policy was abolished 30 years ago. Yes, there are racist Australians just as I dare say there are racists on the subcontinent. Which is why I mark Australian cricketers very hard when they behave badly in public - whether it's fair or not, they represent us to some degree.
Posted by JC on 2007-03-16 16:37:53
Posted by JC on 2007-03-16 16:37:53
"and I might add that Howard is not polling too well at the moment": Time for him to pull that one once again then :) And the Lemmings will follow. And I know a bit about Australian politics too and the white Australia policy..Keating's biggest sin was Yabo.
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 16:41:57
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 16:41:57
Mabo of course...Not Yabo
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 16:47:02
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 16:47:02
Kabindra , cricket in australia is mainly the preserve of middle and upper class anglo celtics and some rural people . Note the absence of Aboriginal , Italian , Greek , Pacific Islander , Lebanese ,Vietnamese etc compared to Aussie rules , Rugby league , Rugby Union or Football . Most of the aussies went to private schools and many come from the bush . They are not a fair representative of the complete australian society and are indifferent to the the cultural differences of their opponents .Being onanistic and self absorbed seems to be a common trait in sportspeople lol Ponting is from Tasmania , the most anglicized and least cosmopolitan of all the aussie states . He is the first aussie skipper to be a cricket academy boy so his sense of perspective and unworldlyness are no surprise . Shame Waugh had to go lol[never thought id say that!}
Posted by ANTISLEDGING on 2007-03-16 16:57:40
Posted by ANTISLEDGING on 2007-03-16 16:57:40
Actually ANTISLEDGING when Len Pascoe had the temerity of being selected to the team his comrades in true tradition of Aussie mateship called him Dei... and a Wo...
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 17:10:50
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-16 17:10:50
Aussies do tend to behave badly on field - when they are on a way to a loss.
Look at all the previous occasions ( as examples) - that we are looking at
1) Gavaskar - versus Lillee in Melbourne
2)Rahul Dravid – Michael Slater
3)Healy-Ranatunga
4) Ambrose - Steve Waugh
5) Ponting - Fletcher ( that was off the field btw)
Invariably - Aussies tend to lose it mentally- when they find themeselves believing they are on a way to a loss.
Aussies behave extremely well otehrwise.
They just bad losers.
Posted by Rao on 2007-03-16 18:41:57
Look at all the previous occasions ( as examples) - that we are looking at
1) Gavaskar - versus Lillee in Melbourne
2)Rahul Dravid – Michael Slater
3)Healy-Ranatunga
4) Ambrose - Steve Waugh
5) Ponting - Fletcher ( that was off the field btw)
Invariably - Aussies tend to lose it mentally- when they find themeselves believing they are on a way to a loss.
Aussies behave extremely well otehrwise.
They just bad losers.
Posted by Rao on 2007-03-16 18:41:57
Why are the Aussies feeling so much of pain.....when Gavaskar mentioned David Hookes's name.
As per the reports published in the Sydney Morning Herald....Hookes had abused the Bouncer in a Pub,and so was hit by him, in a heated argument.
Looking at that, we must realize that there is afterall some truth in Gavaskar's comments. On-flied or off the field, one is not supposed to use the words which are offensive. If a Darren Lehmann feels that Srilankans are Black C*nts, and McGrath feels something similar about a Ramnaresh Sarwan .......then they should just have the guts to face the fatal blows too.
No point crying over it now
Posted by Michael Alexander on 2007-03-16 22:57:12
As per the reports published in the Sydney Morning Herald....Hookes had abused the Bouncer in a Pub,and so was hit by him, in a heated argument.
Looking at that, we must realize that there is afterall some truth in Gavaskar's comments. On-flied or off the field, one is not supposed to use the words which are offensive. If a Darren Lehmann feels that Srilankans are Black C*nts, and McGrath feels something similar about a Ramnaresh Sarwan .......then they should just have the guts to face the fatal blows too.
No point crying over it now
Posted by Michael Alexander on 2007-03-16 22:57:12
I thought descendants of thugs and criminals might have improvement in their culture. It seems it will take another century, till then either excuse them or be Zidene( FIFA world cup 2006) to SHUT their mouth.
Posted by Amarendra on 2007-03-17 03:24:11
Posted by Amarendra on 2007-03-17 03:24:11
And as an icing on the cake Lehmann of all people has "lost respect for Gavaskar". Who cares?
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-17 03:26:48
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-17 03:26:48
Amarendra and S.J were completely wrong when they said that Aussies, being decendents of thugs and criminals dumped from England, have no culture yet. WRONG! Aussies do have culture. Bad-mouthing others in the sport field, calling them c**ts and M*ther F***ers, demeaning the wifes, mothers and sisters of their competitors in the sports field are all part of their culture. Remember, even Border said that it is all part of their culture. Whoever said Aussies don't have culture.
Posted by AussieMoron on 2007-03-17 04:55:52
Posted by AussieMoron on 2007-03-17 04:55:52
In my opinion sledging is an american influence , watch a baseball game or a basketball game . Once cricket became professional in the late 70s and early 8os it coincided with the opening up of australian trade and cultural barriers under Hawke . [ Hookes was a renowned loudmouth and bignoter, gavaskar was only pointing out a fact]
Posted by Antisledging on 2007-03-17 13:10:11
Posted by Antisledging on 2007-03-17 13:10:11
During the 1975 WC, a Sri Lankan player was writhing with pain after being hit on the toe by a Thompson delivery. Thompson in true Aussie walked up to the player and hurled a series of abuses at the player. Sledging is as old as Aussie "culture". Hawke and the Yanks had little to do with it. Of course if you sledge the Aussies high and mighties like Benaud, Chappel Hookes and Ian Bradshaw (the last two also rans) are all up in arms against it. When Jardine hit them with bouncers they called it bodyline. When Lille and Thompson did that against England, it was good cricket.
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-17 13:18:51
Posted by kabindra on 2007-03-17 13:18:51
We got sledging from the Yanks? I have to go with kabindra on this one - my perception is Australia have played tough cricket for time immemorial. The level of sledging has waxed and waned over the years but the fierce competitive spirit is probably something that came over with the convict ships 200 odd years ago.
Posted by JC on 2007-03-17 18:17:50
Posted by JC on 2007-03-17 18:17:50
Credit to Sunny for apologising for the tasteless reference to Hooksey.
"I do regret it ... on the breakfast show I do with ESPN, I read out a statement regretting what I had said. On live television and radio, sometimes you respond on the spur of the moment with a remark that can cause hurt and pain to others. I realise and I accept that what I said was uncalled for and inappropriate. Having said that, I hope they (Hookes' family and friends) have the bigness of heart to forgive me for what I said about David Hookes."
Posted by stumps on 2007-03-20 19:36:01
"I do regret it ... on the breakfast show I do with ESPN, I read out a statement regretting what I had said. On live television and radio, sometimes you respond on the spur of the moment with a remark that can cause hurt and pain to others. I realise and I accept that what I said was uncalled for and inappropriate. Having said that, I hope they (Hookes' family and friends) have the bigness of heart to forgive me for what I said about David Hookes."
Posted by stumps on 2007-03-20 19:36:01
Well Sunny has apologised and that will surely be regarded in his favour, however I can assure you that the Indian team are nothing less when it comes to sledgeing the only difference is that they do it in their own native language which I guess the aussies dont understand !
Posted by RM on 2007-03-25 22:51:19
Posted by RM on 2007-03-25 22:51:19
Well, Brett Lee is learning Urdu - for the purposes of making it in Bollywood - but useful for sledging purposes also :-)
Posted by JC on 2007-03-26 09:37:53
Posted by JC on 2007-03-26 09:37:53
JC :It should be Hindi, however if he plans to do a movie of about Sha Jahan in Mughal-e-Azam then I think Urdu would be fine to learn :>)Anyway have you guys watched the Asha Bosle song with Bret lee any thoughts? On another note it was sad that Bermuda lost with Bangladesh I guess this sends India back home.
Posted by RM on 2007-03-26 11:30:54
Posted by RM on 2007-03-26 11:30:54
Re Brett Lee's Bollywood song, yes, we have commented on it (it's one of the most commented posts on the site).
It is a shame India got knocked out although I like Bangladesh's moxie, it's good for them but a pity India had to lose out at their expense.
Not sure whether Brett Lee learnt Hindi or Urdu but I just have a recollection of reading somewhere that he was learning Urdu. I could have that wrong - I think he mentions speaking Hindi in his Bollywood song also.
Posted by JC on 2007-03-26 12:14:38
It is a shame India got knocked out although I like Bangladesh's moxie, it's good for them but a pity India had to lose out at their expense.
Not sure whether Brett Lee learnt Hindi or Urdu but I just have a recollection of reading somewhere that he was learning Urdu. I could have that wrong - I think he mentions speaking Hindi in his Bollywood song also.
Posted by JC on 2007-03-26 12:14:38
AussieMoron: I do not consent with you that its part of Aussie culture to sledge, its surprising that India have one billion people and find it difficult to win a gold medal in the Olympics leave alone cricket. If you like digging the past then India are just no slaves to it. Australia has just 20 million people and are sports fanatics, they also have reservations about their players but all said and done the passion they have about their sports is to be much admired.
Certainly they get paid much less than the Indian players and cricket in Australia is the second best sport after AFL. So guys lets not make sledging a big issue then it ought to be. Learn the good things from the Australian cricket team and let bygones be bygones.
“To err is human, to blame the next guy even more so”
Posted by RM on 2007-03-26 12:53:55
Certainly they get paid much less than the Indian players and cricket in Australia is the second best sport after AFL. So guys lets not make sledging a big issue then it ought to be. Learn the good things from the Australian cricket team and let bygones be bygones.
“To err is human, to blame the next guy even more so”
Posted by RM on 2007-03-26 12:53:55
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