I dont find Kohli's middle finger gesture such a big deal. Who among us has not given such a gesture when someone has cuut us off while driving? One does need to have a bit of self-confidence bordering on arrogance to succeed at the highest level. I would rather have somone with Kohli's chip on the shoulder attitude than a doormat.
The difference between us doing on streets and them doing in presence of huge crowd is they are representing their 'country'. Just like we would like any corruption by players, 'fixing' to be stopped and punished, similarly misbehavior should also be punished. My 2c.
Ian Chappell made an interesting comment the other day about the bowler being as responsible as the captain for a defensive field. His view was that an international bowler, esp. an experienced one, should know exactly what kind of field w'd maximize his chances of getting a partcular batsman out. He is the one who will suffer the most as a result of defensive fields and so if the bowler sees that the captain is not being very proactive in the field, then he should insist on more attacking fields. Otherwise they are both equally guilty in Chappell's opinion
The difference between us doing on streets and them doing in presence of huge crowd is they are representing their 'country'. Just like we would like any corruption by players, 'fixing' to be stopped and punished, similarly misbehavior should also be punished. My 2c.
Point well taken, Captain. I was one of the only ones defending the players caught in the corruption - I felt the punishment was too severe.
IMO, I do not believe punishment is applied equally. In the last test, when Kohli waited ~ 5 sec before leaving when given LBW, the commentator immediately mentioned he will be called to the ofice and fined.
In this test, Pattinson was literally hollering at the umpire when he did not get an LBW (off an edge). The umpire just walked to Clarke - and the commentator state s- this was to avoid making Pattinson angrier.
I dont have stats, but my instinct tells me such fines are levied more on non-developed nation players.
As for representing their country, I dont take it that seriously - these guys are entertainers - and deserve some leeway. Too much flag waving going around - I dont get too affected by their misbehavior - to me they are humans who at times wear their emotions on their sleeve.
OK - on a lighte vein, last time India got clobbered by England, someone here wise-cracked "Thank you, English, for this gift to all muslims of this world".
So allow me to do the honors (in anticipation of Test 3 and 4 wipeouts)
"Thank you, Aussie, for this gift to all muslims of this world"
OK - on a lighte vein, last time India got clobbered by England, someone here wise-cracked "Thank you, English, for this gift to all muslims of this world".
*So allow me to do the honors (in anticipation of Test 3 and 4 wipeouts)
*
"Thank you, Aussie, for this gift to all muslims of this world"
Uncle itni jaldi haar maan li apne :@: kyunki picture abhe baki hai ;)
^ Also Fletcher has been associated with 6 consecutive test Matches overseas for India. Count the 5-0 England losses, and it is possible he may be a part of the problem also. (I say this w/o any knowledge of the man's abilities - just his record that I am aware of)
I iwll bring out a (blunt) knife each for Sehwag and Dravid also. Sehwag, the destroyer, has almost single handedly destroyed India's chances.
Sreesanth in South Australia produced some beauties - the ball that bounced nastily and got the great Kallis comes to mind. Dhoni has been quick to chide Sree in public rather than back him up.
Sreesanth would have been handy in the bouncy wicket of Perth (at least that's my recollection of Perth being good for pace from years ago).
Ashwin needs to sit - maybe go with 4 pacers. Dhoni needs to sit - his batting outside sub-continent is atrocious. The last dismissal was a joke - spooning a catch to bowler.
I agree Sreesanth is well suited for Australian conditions. He goes for runs but who hasn't? All Indian bowlers scored centuries again.
There are talks about Rohit instead of VVS. That's just panic. Bring in a youngster against Australia at WACA? I think VVS should play all four and own his failure.
Dravid must be under a lot of pressure. He has what it takes to step up...unfortunately the rest of the team doesn't have the technique nor the temperament to survive.
Was finally able to watch some highlights. Clarke has outsmarted Dhoni, which is a surprise! Pup is proving his credentials for the first time after years of babysitting. Dhoni on the other hand is slipping as a captain, he is getting way too defensive and not able to capitalize on the 3 down / 4 down situations the bowlers create.
The Indian team in England was a weak injured team, I think half the team was not first choice due to constant injuries. But here, this is the first choice team. Every one of them. Aus gets credit here. After a few years of being bashed, Punter and Clarke have finally put some pretty strong performances in. And their bowlers are using their home advantage well.
I agree with Fayz, let Laxman play.. and if he fails.. let him own up his failure and retire.. he deserves signing off with respect.
I am constantly on the road this month and unable to catch any live action. Is it a good thing or a bad thing!
Point well taken, Captain. I was one of the only ones defending the players caught in the corruption - I felt the punishment was too severe.
IMO, I do not believe punishment is applied equally. In the last test, when Kohli waited ~ 5 sec before leaving when given LBW, the commentator immediately mentioned he will be called to the ofice and fined.
In this test, Pattinson was literally hollering at the umpire when he did not get an LBW (off an edge). The umpire just walked to Clarke - and the commentator state s- this was to avoid making Pattinson angrier.
I dont have stats, but my instinct tells me such fines are levied more on non-developed nation players.
As for representing their country, I dont take it that seriously - these guys are entertainers - and deserve some leeway. Too much flag waving going around - I dont get too affected by their misbehavior - to me they are humans who at times wear their emotions on their sleeve.
I agree.
I remember seeing at test match in Lahore where the crowd abused Warne and he made a similar gestured and it wasn't even mentioned in the media.
I dont know what the fuss is all about, both Kohli and Ishant were letting the crowd know that their fingers were injured otherwise they would have smashed Aus
