Thursday, August 4, 2011

A Gentleman's Game - only played by few...

They call it (Cricket) a "Gentleman's Game"... We have seen many instances of it all these years where the friendliness in the game is shown. However, it gradually started fading in late 80s though few thoughtful 'gentlemen' played/playing it with good spirits. Who other than 'Sachin Tendulkar' could be a better example with perfect sportsmanship and maintained friendship & respect. Hansie Cronje was one to have played it with good heart but unfortunately left his mind to think crazy. It really needs the same strong mind and heart to admit it publicly and rightly staying away from International Cricket.
Adam Gilchrist was another guy who can be called 'A Gentleman' among the rough and tough Aussies.
Incidents like Sachin's run out in the test match against Pakistan at Eden Gardens, Steve Waugh handling the ball in the test match against India at Chepauk, Michael Vaughan handling the ball in a test match against India, Peter Kirsten's dismissal in a match against India (Kapil Dev incident), Sachin's dismissal of Glenn McGrath when hit by a delivery that didn't bounce and given LBW, a player's helmet falling on the stumps, ball popping out of Gibbs's hand in '99 World Cup, etc., do happen. These dismissals leave a dark spot on everyone and in the game. They were unexpected (except the Kapil incident), but a lesson to be learnt and a bonus for the media to fill in their dailies.
The recent one on Bell's dismissal turned out with showering praises on the Indian captain and the team. But it's a shame on Bell to argue on the field and later coming on to bat after the generous decision by the Indian team. Though Bell admitted later, he had the same time to think and decide as Dhoni had and did at tea. Bell should have walked off and that would have shown professionalism. India had to decide and let Bell play play down safe on the dismissal.
If this could be revised, then each of the incidents mentioned earlier could have been reviewed and the decisions revised.They call it (Cricket) a "Gentleman's Game"... We have seen many instances of it all these years where the friendliness in the game is shown. However, it gradually started fading in late 80s though few thoughtful 'gentlemen' played/playing it with good spirits. Who other than Sachin Tendulkar' could be a better example with perfect sportsmanship and maintained friendship & respect. Hansie Cronje was one to have played it with good heart but unfortunately left his mind to think crazy. It really needs the same strong mind and heart to admit it publicly and rightly staying away from International Cricket. Adam Gilchrist was another guy who can be called 'A Gentleman' among the rough and tough Aussies.

Incidents like Sachin's run out in the test match against Pakistan at Eden Gardens, Steve Waugh handling the ball in the test match against India at Chepauk, Michael Vaughan handling the ball in a test match against India, Peter Kirsten's dismissal in a match against India (Kapil Dev incident), Sachin's dismissal of Glenn McGrath when hit by a delivery that didn't bounce and given LBW, a player's helmet falling on the stumps, ball popping out of Gibbs's hand in '99 World Cup, etc., do happen. These dismissals leave a dark spot on everyone and in the game. They were unexpected (except the Kapil incident), but a lesson to be learnt and a bonus for the media to fill in their dailies.

The recent one on Bell's dismissal turned out with showering praises on the Indian captain and the team. But it's a shame on Bell to argue on the field and later coming on to bat after the generous decision by the Indian team. Though Bell admitted later, he had the same time to think and decide as Dhoni had and did at tea. Bell should have walked off and that would have shown professionalism. India had to decide and let Bell bat again to play down safe on the dismissal.

If this could be revised, then each of the incidents mentioned earlier could have been reviewed and the decisions revised.

No comments: