Beginning the healing process after Sydney
After the shenanigans of Bollyline, all eyes will be fixed on the 3rd Test in Perth, scrutinising the conduct of the players as much as the actual cricket. I wouldn't expect any fireworks though. Most likely, the atmosphere will be like a married couple the morning after a huge fight. Stiff, awkward politeness.
What this series needs is unsolicited, spontaneous gestures from the players. When England won by the narrowest of margins at Edgbaston 2005, Flintoff sportingly consoled a grieving Brett Lee. The image captured the hearts of cricket fans everywhere (while boosting Freddie's marketability by a few million pounds). And it set the tone for the rest of the series which was fought hard but fair, with mutual respect.
Of course, it's difficult to imagine Ponting comforting an opposition player in such a manner. But if Ponting is as concerned about Australia's image as he professes to be, he needs to stop this habit of regularly making excuses for Australia's abrasive behaviour. Has Pawargate taught him nothing? Now he has Bollyline to add to his resume.
One gesture was from BCCI boss Pawar who decreed the tour would continue despite the Harbhajan suspension. Another was from Ishant Sharma who ran over to Andrew Symonds at stumps to congratulate his century. Despite the fact that he was robbed of Symond's wicket earlier in the day due to umpire error. Of course, the kid's so young, maybe he was asking the batsman for an autograph! Nah, just kidding, he's a good egg.
On Australia's side, Michael Clarke seems to have patched things with up Anil Kumble. And Brett Lee wants everyone to know he still has a strong relationship with Indian
"For me, I'm treated so well over there and I'm very thankful for that. I don't think anything will change. I try to do everything in my power to keep a good relationship with people in India. Life gets a bit hectic sometimes, playing for Australia. It's not just about playing cricket any more. It's the whole corporate world, sponsorship, lots of commitments. But I enjoy doing the ads, going out and meeting children, signing autographs. I enjoy these one-off things, like the Bollywood movie. It's exciting."Despite all the controversy and ill-feeling, Bing is still keeping his eye on the ball.
| Posted by JC on Mon 14 Jan |  27 comments |
"Flintoff sportingly consoled a grieving Brett Lee."
I'd suggest that what Freddie said" it's 1-1 you Aussie bastard" would be lost in translation.
Posted by Hanuman on 2008-01-14 10:48:09
I'd suggest that what Freddie said" it's 1-1 you Aussie bastard" would be lost in translation.
Posted by Hanuman on 2008-01-14 10:48:09
You don't actually think Freddie was serious when he said that, do you? I read that interview way back when and even blogged on it - I thought it was a hilarious joke from Freddie.
Posted by JC on 2008-01-14 11:01:08
Posted by JC on 2008-01-14 11:01:08
Bing is still keep his eye on his wallet, that's for sure!
Posted by Moses on 2008-01-14 11:17:14
Posted by Moses on 2008-01-14 11:17:14
Oh say it isn't so, what next Santa?
Did Steve really say "you've just dropped the world cup"?
I feel so disillusioned.
I propose that all international cricketers sign a Sledgers Code of Conduct.
Lying cheating bastards!
On a serious note Ishant made me get all choked up, great stuff. His tall skinny frame reminds me of Bruce Reid and I reckon he could be devastating at the WACA.
Posted by Hanuman on 2008-01-14 11:33:39
Did Steve really say "you've just dropped the world cup"?
I feel so disillusioned.
I propose that all international cricketers sign a Sledgers Code of Conduct.
Lying cheating bastards!
On a serious note Ishant made me get all choked up, great stuff. His tall skinny frame reminds me of Bruce Reid and I reckon he could be devastating at the WACA.
Posted by Hanuman on 2008-01-14 11:33:39
Another Ponti-Liner
Is that an attempt to Ponti-placate
" All I remember from the game is playing and winning one of the all-time great Tests."
Posted by Tail Spin on 2008-01-14 11:35:08
Is that an attempt to Ponti-placate
" All I remember from the game is playing and winning one of the all-time great Tests."
Posted by Tail Spin on 2008-01-14 11:35:08
That's awesome thanks Tail Spin, it'll be all I remember from that game too... well that and the comando rolls of course.
---
Monkey Noises Blog
Posted by Moses on 2008-01-14 11:53:22
---
Monkey Noises Blog
Posted by Moses on 2008-01-14 11:53:22
I too was really impressed by the spirit of Sharma. His figures didn't reflect the way he bowled, which in his case was a shame.
Posted by Moses on 2008-01-14 11:54:08
Posted by Moses on 2008-01-14 11:54:08
Moses
That pacifier is a serious work of art
Now here is an example where you make your point and the opponent says "Bravo" before hitting the deck ...
Posted by Tail Spin on 2008-01-14 12:33:17
That pacifier is a serious work of art
Now here is an example where you make your point and the opponent says "Bravo" before hitting the deck ...
Posted by Tail Spin on 2008-01-14 12:33:17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNCdD7KC9eI
The real whingeing cheats of the game.
Guess which team has had their players sanctioned almost twice as many times as Australia since 1997?
Posted by Brendon on 2008-01-14 13:32:15
The real whingeing cheats of the game.
Guess which team has had their players sanctioned almost twice as many times as Australia since 1997?
Posted by Brendon on 2008-01-14 13:32:15
I've given up on this test series. I wish the Indian players, who have behaved like spoilt princesses, would take their bat and go home. The Australians were not gracious winners, but I have never seen such bad losers as the Indians. Their batsmen folded miserably in the second test, but they refused to accept resonsibility, instead blaming the umpires, and the Australians. It's the same deal with Harbhajan's appalling actions. Instead of taking responsibility and apologising, they deny it and blame the Australians! Go home India.
Posted by Go home India on 2008-01-14 15:04:08
Posted by Go home India on 2008-01-14 15:04:08
I don know what's happening around as I have come to read that Shaun Pollock, the South African allrounder has announved his retirement:
http://www.cricketviewer.com/pollock-announces-retirement.html
Posted by Jimmy on 2008-01-14 15:27:55
http://www.cricketviewer.com/pollock-announces-retirement.html
Posted by Jimmy on 2008-01-14 15:27:55
An Illustrious carrer has come to an end... Following the retirement of McGrath, Donald, Akram, Waqar, Srinath and Pollock, world cricket is definitely having dearth of quality fast bowlers... And the most promising fast bowler who could have carried the legends' mantle, Shane Bond is frequently injured... hope we will see few more good bowlers coming up in future...
Posted by No Argument on 2008-01-14 16:12:30
Posted by No Argument on 2008-01-14 16:12:30
Got to agree with you Go Home India. India were hard done by, but what other country goes around burning effigys of umpires? Or getting umpires be removed, if Australia did that there would be outcry. India really has to be asking why 3 tailenders couldn't handle a part time spinner? Maybe they need to spend some time on the couch to help deal with pressure situations, I am sure England can recommend someone....
Other teams in the world have been hard done by in the past, that one bad decision in Adelaide for example that open the floodgates for a Pommy collaspe, yet the teams move on. England didn't try to blame the umpire they accepted it was their fault.
The one good thing I can see that has come out of these last two matches is that due to Clark's 3 wickets he might be given a chance to bowl a little more often. He always seems to have a chance of removing wickets. We could play 4 quicks and two part timers.
Posted by Andrew on 2008-01-14 16:52:42
Other teams in the world have been hard done by in the past, that one bad decision in Adelaide for example that open the floodgates for a Pommy collaspe, yet the teams move on. England didn't try to blame the umpire they accepted it was their fault.
The one good thing I can see that has come out of these last two matches is that due to Clark's 3 wickets he might be given a chance to bowl a little more often. He always seems to have a chance of removing wickets. We could play 4 quicks and two part timers.
Posted by Andrew on 2008-01-14 16:52:42
The series is going to go on. I will give it to the indians that they have given a bit of scare to the Aussies.
I think everything said and done, the record books will show that the 2nd test was won by Australia. India will always say that they were cheated (and a few will ask for the match to be annulled).
Symonds/Bhajji will be fogotten as Aussie-Punjabi confusion between Monkey - Maan-Ke. Clarke as he patched up and what a great captian-material. Bret Lee (oh the bowler that comes in that movie). Kumble,Tendulakar,Ganguly the warriors who fought against all odds.. against -- the one Australian who spoilt all Aussie reputation of great sportsmanship -- Ricky Ponting. Punter should shut up and act like the politician that he is required to be.
Go home India - You sound like one of those school yard victims - ha ha (more like Nelson Muntz from simpsons)
Posted by Thelma Bouvier on 2008-01-14 17:05:49
I think everything said and done, the record books will show that the 2nd test was won by Australia. India will always say that they were cheated (and a few will ask for the match to be annulled).
Symonds/Bhajji will be fogotten as Aussie-Punjabi confusion between Monkey - Maan-Ke. Clarke as he patched up and what a great captian-material. Bret Lee (oh the bowler that comes in that movie). Kumble,Tendulakar,Ganguly the warriors who fought against all odds.. against -- the one Australian who spoilt all Aussie reputation of great sportsmanship -- Ricky Ponting. Punter should shut up and act like the politician that he is required to be.
Go home India - You sound like one of those school yard victims - ha ha (more like Nelson Muntz from simpsons)
Posted by Thelma Bouvier on 2008-01-14 17:05:49
Hey Andrew, the only risk I can see with Clarke bowling more is he tends to get back injuries when overbowled.
Mind you, the Indian's really struggle with him ; against them he's taken 9/46 at 5.11 !
Posted by Moses on 2008-01-14 17:26:29
Mind you, the Indian's really struggle with him ; against them he's taken 9/46 at 5.11 !
Posted by Moses on 2008-01-14 17:26:29
I wonder:
If Ponting didnt press the Monkey charge, but went on to say that the way he signalled "out" to the ump seemed un-appropriate. He said that this was a great match to be savored since the Match came to the very end and it could have have gone either way. He further added that there was a bit of mixup between Symonds and Bhajji, the team management is getting all that sorted out.
Then added the great way Tendulkar played (and how is a great batsman), and Kumble kept the innings so close just like Waugh did in one of those matches. He also appreciated the ump's decision when he grassed the catch which showed that even he is human.
- Wonder if we would have all saved a lot of energy and hatred for a higher ordeal.
Posted by Thelma Bouvier on 2008-01-14 18:01:03
If Ponting didnt press the Monkey charge, but went on to say that the way he signalled "out" to the ump seemed un-appropriate. He said that this was a great match to be savored since the Match came to the very end and it could have have gone either way. He further added that there was a bit of mixup between Symonds and Bhajji, the team management is getting all that sorted out.
Then added the great way Tendulkar played (and how is a great batsman), and Kumble kept the innings so close just like Waugh did in one of those matches. He also appreciated the ump's decision when he grassed the catch which showed that even he is human.
- Wonder if we would have all saved a lot of energy and hatred for a higher ordeal.
Posted by Thelma Bouvier on 2008-01-14 18:01:03
Thelma glad to see you encouraging racism...
If India had held the game to a draw this match would have been less of an issue, instead they collasped. 3 wickets in one over to a part time spinner who has back problems.... Its embaressing.
But I guess by "blaming" the Australia and the umpires for their loss, maybe their houses won't get burnt down.
Posted by Andrew on 2008-01-14 19:32:22
If India had held the game to a draw this match would have been less of an issue, instead they collasped. 3 wickets in one over to a part time spinner who has back problems.... Its embaressing.
But I guess by "blaming" the Australia and the umpires for their loss, maybe their houses won't get burnt down.
Posted by Andrew on 2008-01-14 19:32:22
"But I guess by "blaming" the Australia and the umpires for their loss, maybe their houses won't get burnt down." - Andrew
First of all, umpires have been blamed, not Australia. Had their homes been burnt for a loss, it would have happened after the first test. So, relax, their homes would be intact. The complaint against australia is their on-field behaviour... after every ball is bowled, the way the bowlers run down the track towards the batsman with clenched fist and rage all over the face, it almost seems an atom bomb has been dropped on the ground....it is ridiculous at times, irritating most of the times...
Posted by No Argument on 2008-01-14 19:42:45
First of all, umpires have been blamed, not Australia. Had their homes been burnt for a loss, it would have happened after the first test. So, relax, their homes would be intact. The complaint against australia is their on-field behaviour... after every ball is bowled, the way the bowlers run down the track towards the batsman with clenched fist and rage all over the face, it almost seems an atom bomb has been dropped on the ground....it is ridiculous at times, irritating most of the times...
Posted by No Argument on 2008-01-14 19:42:45
Encouraging Racism... oh because the circus is what matters... (Symonds it seems cares about who calls him the M-word (Cricinfo-article on this), not really about if he is called)
Trust me my friend, it just so happens for the naivette, that Bhajji will never be exonerated for Racism. The issue will be silently dropped or the indians/ICC/BCCI(and CA as well) will make it beauracratically impossible for this to be resolved.
Secondly, in my opinion (which ofcourse doesnt matter) but this is a PR stunt, time will tell who played their hands well. For the moment, looks like the indian wallets are getting thicker (may be few Aussies as well) and Bhajji saved his spot for a few innings to come.
Hopefully disagreeing if an issue is about racism or not, is not racist.
Incompetent - yes, but then that is why we have winners and sore loosers. My opinion, they should have played like they were playing a 20-20 game finish it by 40 (or 20) overs, with Australia wining by 122 runs but india made 220 runs all out. That is the sign of a champion team - not play to draw.
oh please dont engage me with the umps decision, grassed balls, burning home/effigies... that is way too stupid for me.. I think there are some you-tube-videos quoted you can watch to glorify how bad the indians are (if it gives one a high)
Posted by Thelma Bouvier on 2008-01-14 20:41:38
Trust me my friend, it just so happens for the naivette, that Bhajji will never be exonerated for Racism. The issue will be silently dropped or the indians/ICC/BCCI(and CA as well) will make it beauracratically impossible for this to be resolved.
Secondly, in my opinion (which ofcourse doesnt matter) but this is a PR stunt, time will tell who played their hands well. For the moment, looks like the indian wallets are getting thicker (may be few Aussies as well) and Bhajji saved his spot for a few innings to come.
Hopefully disagreeing if an issue is about racism or not, is not racist.
Incompetent - yes, but then that is why we have winners and sore loosers. My opinion, they should have played like they were playing a 20-20 game finish it by 40 (or 20) overs, with Australia wining by 122 runs but india made 220 runs all out. That is the sign of a champion team - not play to draw.
oh please dont engage me with the umps decision, grassed balls, burning home/effigies... that is way too stupid for me.. I think there are some you-tube-videos quoted you can watch to glorify how bad the indians are (if it gives one a high)
Posted by Thelma Bouvier on 2008-01-14 20:41:38
Thelma, Are you reading too many Sherlock Homes or Agatha Christie novels? or watching those hollywood movies with gripping tales of FBI plots? It definitely seems so....
Posted by No Argument on 2008-01-14 20:48:23
Posted by No Argument on 2008-01-14 20:48:23
You know what I am curious about, the india-pak matches siezed to generate the tension that this series has.
May just be a photo-ops, but I saw Pakistani players visiting schools and playing with kids etc when they visited india. Indians did the same in Pakistan.
Wonder why India/Aussies dont get out, mingle?? May be show the Indians some nice Barbie and Beer. I dont pretend to be Australian so forgive my slangs if they are misspoken.
Posted by Thelma Bouvier on 2008-01-14 21:21:23
May just be a photo-ops, but I saw Pakistani players visiting schools and playing with kids etc when they visited india. Indians did the same in Pakistan.
Wonder why India/Aussies dont get out, mingle?? May be show the Indians some nice Barbie and Beer. I dont pretend to be Australian so forgive my slangs if they are misspoken.
Posted by Thelma Bouvier on 2008-01-14 21:21:23
I think its time 2 forget all the "drama" of the Sydney test and move on 2 PERTH.Indians definitely has given the Aussies a scare, however the Sydney pitch was a turning track quite unlike PERTH. Therefore the test match in Perth is definitely going 2 b a test of character for the Indians, especially the test of the so called "best batting line-up".Can the Indians really play & control the swing????
Posted by Normal Human on 2008-01-14 21:50:22
Posted by Normal Human on 2008-01-14 21:50:22
Posted by Thelma Bouvier "oh please dont engage me with the umps decision, grassed balls, burning home/effigies... that is way too stupid for me"
Thelma,
you sell yourself short, from what I've read nothing is toooooooooo stupid for you. You are trying very hard, so I'm sure it's coming.
Posted by IMHO on 2008-01-14 22:14:35
Thelma,
you sell yourself short, from what I've read nothing is toooooooooo stupid for you. You are trying very hard, so I'm sure it's coming.
Posted by IMHO on 2008-01-14 22:14:35
India just dropped all charges against Hoggie.
Its almost as if India are saying "want as we might we just cant stoop down to the levels of hypocritical childish behaviour being displayed by Australia".
Posted by Gaurav on 2008-01-14 22:35:53
Its almost as if India are saying "want as we might we just cant stoop down to the levels of hypocritical childish behaviour being displayed by Australia".
Posted by Gaurav on 2008-01-14 22:35:53
Or maybe because the Indian lawyers told the Indian team that they didn't have a hope of hell justifying "bastard" as a "racial" insult and that to try to push it would make them look like an idiot.
Posted by Andrew on 2008-01-15 00:04:47
Posted by Andrew on 2008-01-15 00:04:47
"Or maybe because the Indian lawyers told the Indian team that they didn't have a hope of hell justifying "bastard" as a "racial" insult and that to try to push it would make them look like an idiot." - Andrew
Anil Kumble has shown Ricky Ponting what a true leader he is. If you are a leader, don't try to score point - be magnanimous and rise above the "kiddish behaviour" - three cheers for kumble, we are proud of you. You have brought semblance of gentlemanliness in the game....even australian players probably have started respecting Kumble more than Ponting...
Posted by No Argument on 2008-01-15 00:13:28
Anil Kumble has shown Ricky Ponting what a true leader he is. If you are a leader, don't try to score point - be magnanimous and rise above the "kiddish behaviour" - three cheers for kumble, we are proud of you. You have brought semblance of gentlemanliness in the game....even australian players probably have started respecting Kumble more than Ponting...
Posted by No Argument on 2008-01-15 00:13:28
Charges have been dropped against Hoggie. Does Ricky Ponting have the courage to do "a Kumble" and drop charges against Bhajji? I hope not.
Posted by No Argument on 2008-01-15 00:27:16
Posted by No Argument on 2008-01-15 00:27:16
I do not expect Ponting to reciprocate to what Kumble has done. Again it indicates a fundamental cultural divide. Indians as Kumble's actions indicated has a "forgive and forget" , "live and let live" attitude. It may be construed as a positive or negative trait. I am not making any value judgment.
Aussies on the other hand are fiesty and have a "survive or win at all cost" attitude which may have have evolved over a period of time as a result of surviving the elements in a remote and isolated continent. Again I am not making any value judgment on the merits or demerits of such an attitude.
Posted by Varghese on 2008-01-15 03:16:20
Aussies on the other hand are fiesty and have a "survive or win at all cost" attitude which may have have evolved over a period of time as a result of surviving the elements in a remote and isolated continent. Again I am not making any value judgment on the merits or demerits of such an attitude.
Posted by Varghese on 2008-01-15 03:16:20
Andrew,
It was actually Mike Proctor who booked Brad Hogg under section 3.3 and not the Indians. And again, Proctor goofed up.
Or maybe not. Maybe "Indian team that they didn't have a hope of hell justifying "bastard" as a "racial" insult and that to try to push it would make them look like an idiot." is exactly what Proctor was aiming for.
Cheers
Posted by Homer on 2008-01-15 04:00:58
It was actually Mike Proctor who booked Brad Hogg under section 3.3 and not the Indians. And again, Proctor goofed up.
Or maybe not. Maybe "Indian team that they didn't have a hope of hell justifying "bastard" as a "racial" insult and that to try to push it would make them look like an idiot." is exactly what Proctor was aiming for.
Cheers
Posted by Homer on 2008-01-15 04:00:58
The way this blog is going,it looks like the match wld as well hav its own piece of "sledging" even after the predicament, especially if Ricky carries on his hotheadedness.
I dont understand whn v wld really b SPORTIVE?
Posted by Normal Human on 2008-01-15 04:10:41
I dont understand whn v wld really b SPORTIVE?
Posted by Normal Human on 2008-01-15 04:10:41
I think ICC has done well to cool down the situation. Everyone is thinking of moving on and kind gestures all around. Proctor should hve been a better diplomat, and if he was, I think situation wouldnt have gine this far. Well done Ranjan.
From Cricinfo:
An ever-present fixture during Sri Lanka's formative years in the Test arena, Madugalle was a stylish right-hand batsman whose career record perhaps does not reflect his talent. Making his debut in Sri Lanka's maiden Test against England in 1981-82, he made an instant impact, top-scoring with a composed 65 after the top order had surrendered.
Madugalle was a solid performer during his career though at Test level the large scores eluded him. His only Test century was made against India in 1985-86 season at the SSC - he was far more comfortable on home wickets - in Sri Lanka his average was a healthy 42.76, while abroad it was a paltry 21.50. He was only once on the winning side in his 21 Tests, and he led Sri Lanka in two Tests, although the experience was a trying one losing both to Australia and England, and suffering a lean spell with the bat.
He became an ICC match referee in 1993 and in 2001 he was appointed as the first chief referee. His easy-going exterior and charming personality are a mask for someone who has a reputation as a strict disciplinarian.
Posted by KK on 2008-01-15 09:26:53
From Cricinfo:
An ever-present fixture during Sri Lanka's formative years in the Test arena, Madugalle was a stylish right-hand batsman whose career record perhaps does not reflect his talent. Making his debut in Sri Lanka's maiden Test against England in 1981-82, he made an instant impact, top-scoring with a composed 65 after the top order had surrendered.
Madugalle was a solid performer during his career though at Test level the large scores eluded him. His only Test century was made against India in 1985-86 season at the SSC - he was far more comfortable on home wickets - in Sri Lanka his average was a healthy 42.76, while abroad it was a paltry 21.50. He was only once on the winning side in his 21 Tests, and he led Sri Lanka in two Tests, although the experience was a trying one losing both to Australia and England, and suffering a lean spell with the bat.
He became an ICC match referee in 1993 and in 2001 he was appointed as the first chief referee. His easy-going exterior and charming personality are a mask for someone who has a reputation as a strict disciplinarian.
Posted by KK on 2008-01-15 09:26:53
well the healing process has begun.....i can't understand why the charges were dreopped.
@KK i don't think mate that ICC has done a great a job and as i wrote on electricwicket the ICC Needs Afterburners on Its Backside----it is far too slow read the editorial here:http://www.electricwicket.com
Posted by Pulkit Chandna on 2008-01-15 12:29:40
@KK i don't think mate that ICC has done a great a job and as i wrote on electricwicket the ICC Needs Afterburners on Its Backside----it is far too slow read the editorial here:http://www.electricwicket.com
Posted by Pulkit Chandna on 2008-01-15 12:29:40
Re charges being dropped against Hog - Kumble was the spokesman, it apparently was a team decision most probably made from management level & agreed to by the players.
I'd say most likely because the Indians would have a hard time convincing Proctor & the rest that 'bastard' is a derogatory term because apparently illegitimacy has a stronger social stigma in India than elsewhere & Hogg would most likely have gotten off. Either that or trying to capture a bit more of the high moral ground than Aus or realising they looked stupid playing weak tit-for-tat games because one of their own stands accused.
Interestingly I think that when Harbhajan's appeal is held this factor may come in to play now everything settles down. The fact that Ponting & everyone are shaking hands & the spotlight/Aussie heat is off may lead Proctor to switch views to the monkey jibe being racist was an Indian/cultural misunderstanding (that of 'monkey' being a racist term when used in reference to a black person) & reduce or cancel the suspension. I think this is why the appeal won't be held until after the series so a solution can be found that will appease all & won't be splashed on every front page around. Hell Potning/Symo may even retract the charge when everything has quietened down.
Stinks 'cause I think personally hot-headed Harbhi is guilty, had a brain-snap & used the comment on purpose knowing full-well it would offend Symonds (citing the previous history/agreements between the two & how he's been strangely silent on the matter) & this case was going to be used to set a strong example.
Even more than that I hope everyone just shuts up & enjoys a cracking Perth test, puts their skirts away & forgets that this whole, sorry, over-blown incident ever happened in the first place.
Posted by Mike Hunt on 2008-01-15 12:46:35
I'd say most likely because the Indians would have a hard time convincing Proctor & the rest that 'bastard' is a derogatory term because apparently illegitimacy has a stronger social stigma in India than elsewhere & Hogg would most likely have gotten off. Either that or trying to capture a bit more of the high moral ground than Aus or realising they looked stupid playing weak tit-for-tat games because one of their own stands accused.
Interestingly I think that when Harbhajan's appeal is held this factor may come in to play now everything settles down. The fact that Ponting & everyone are shaking hands & the spotlight/Aussie heat is off may lead Proctor to switch views to the monkey jibe being racist was an Indian/cultural misunderstanding (that of 'monkey' being a racist term when used in reference to a black person) & reduce or cancel the suspension. I think this is why the appeal won't be held until after the series so a solution can be found that will appease all & won't be splashed on every front page around. Hell Potning/Symo may even retract the charge when everything has quietened down.
Stinks 'cause I think personally hot-headed Harbhi is guilty, had a brain-snap & used the comment on purpose knowing full-well it would offend Symonds (citing the previous history/agreements between the two & how he's been strangely silent on the matter) & this case was going to be used to set a strong example.
Even more than that I hope everyone just shuts up & enjoys a cracking Perth test, puts their skirts away & forgets that this whole, sorry, over-blown incident ever happened in the first place.
Posted by Mike Hunt on 2008-01-15 12:46:35
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