CricDigs Blogs

The 2nd test match between India and England was marred by a lot of things that were not related to the bat and the ball. I deliberately did not use the phrase “not related to cricket” because sadly, that is not the case anymore. Those things are part of Cricket: whether we want to accept them or not is a different question.

The (Great) British Media has shown a lot of displeasure over Sreesanth’s on-field behaviour. Not just the British Press, but also many writers in the Indian media, as well as the match referee himself, have shown their displeasure. As far as the British Press is concerned, their displeasure is understandable. Getting beaten by the Aussies is one thing, but getting beaten (convincingly) by a country like India, who are such poor travellers, and who has been a former colony of the Empire where the sun never set, is completely different. But when I read the Indian press and media criticizing Sreesanth, I just cannot take it. So what did he do?

The beamer to Pietersen: Sreesanth bowled a ball which reached Pietersen full-toss at chest height. The reaction of Sreesanth after that was that of sincere apology. Now all of this could have been rehersed from before. No one but Sreesanth would ever know whether the beamer was intentional or a mistake. Even if it was intentional, this is not the first time that a fast bowler has done this, nor will it be the last. I distinctly remember Shoaib Akthar doing the same to Dhoni, the only difference being that Shoaib did not even have the courtesy of apologizing. But of course, it is the first time an Indian fast bowler has shown such aggression (whether intentional or not)!!

If the fast bowlers of Australia, England and SA can constantly sledge Indian (and other asian) batsmen on their race, religion and inability to score runs on tailor made fast pitches (while complaining about slow turners when they visit India) and are not reprimanded for the so called “Mental Disintegration” then why should an Indian bowler not give it back? I would be happy if Sreesanth did that deliberately. It just shows that Indian players are no longer afraid and can give back in kind… and more if needed. The beamer absolutely shook up Pietersen and he was not able to recover. He got out in the next over. It probably turned the game in India’s favour. And come-on, after wearing pads, thigh pads, arm guards and helmets, there is hardly a chance that any player will get seriously hurt. The same risk is associated with bouncers also, but that ball is supposed to be a beauty if it hits the batsman!!

Sreesanth also shoulder-pushed Vaughn. Well, there is a Test match going out there and such things are bound to happen (same words that Prior used to defend sledging). Vaughn being the captain of the English cricket team did NOTHING to stop his players from constantly sledging the Indian players. So why is he upset now? Indians are giving them back, just in a different way. He has to deal with it, and not complain like a baby.

How do we know what these English players say to Indian batsmen during change of overs… especially to Zaheer, who happens to be a Muslim. Isn’t it very likely that he has to face constant chatter and ridicule while batting? Why is all that acceptable?

I know most of my arguments are not convincing. I, for one, would never approve of such behaviour. But this is exactly what is needed if India has to overcome the Mental Disintegration. Find ways to give back! Very few players with amazing mental strength (like Dravid and Tendulkar) can keep staring in the eye while the bowler gives a mouthful and still remain unperturbed. For the rest of the more mortals like Zaheer and Sreesanth, it is good to give it back… and it really does not matter in what way.

Indians NEVER start the sledging. In this case, the English bowlers and fielders started it, and they had to pay for it with Pietersen’s wicket and the test match eventually. Serves them right!! They, of all people, should be the last to complain about fair play.