Australia must not become the ‘America’ of cricket

In the last ten years of international cricket, Australia has remained near invincible. It is a champion team consisting of players who would be among the best players in any era in which they choose to play. Unfortunately along with this universal dominance there is also the fact that no other team has been more universally despised. Is this a case of sour losers or do the Aussie baiters have a point? After all, the West Indies cricket team dominated the scene through the 70’s and most of the 80’s. Sure people were frustrated with the sheer inability of players to face up to the rampaging giants but no one ever cast an aspersion on their on field behaviour.

For years under the guise of playing hard, uncompromising cricket they have gotten away with sledging and getting under the skin of the opponents. Some would argue it is within the rules of the game. I do not agree with that but if it is within the rules of the game who am I to squirm and scowl. The problem arises when you cannot take back what you give. Each time the opposing team mirrors the Aussie behaviour on the field, things get a bit edgy out in the center and usually end up going out of control. It is this attitude that irritates people. Perhaps a bit harsh but great fast bowler Wasim Akram has gone to the extent of calling the Aussie cricketers cry babies. Does he have a point? If the Aussie cricketers feel free to sledge away to glory they must be prepared to get back what they dish out.

Ricky Ponting has been lambasted even by some Australian cricket writers for his brash and abrasive conduct. He refuses to have his and his team’s integrity questioned. We are told that his word must be taken and trusted. Ricky Ponting literally gave a decision against a batsman in the match after taking Michael Clarke’s word, the same guy who refused to walk after virtually square cutting the ball into the hands of first slip.

These double standards have flustered cricket lovers across the world. The greatest tragedy of the situation is that a marvelous cricketing side is not recognised for it’s sheer talent and class. This era of cricket has seen some greats such as Warne, Ponting, McGrath, Gilchrist who will go down in the annals of history as legends but unfortunately history will deliver a fractured verdict on this team. An Invincible team or just bullies on the field?

Under the ‘great’ leadership of George Bush, America is no more than an irresponsible superpower. An establishment drunk on power, enamoured by double standards and one that manages to hurt and violate sentiments across the spectrum. That should not be how Ricky Ponting and his men must be remembered. They are an amazingly talented cricket side and they must aim to win over their detractors by playing good hard cricket in the true sense. The non cricketing antics on the field should be left for backyard cricket.

Sridhar Natarajan

P.S. If Harbhajan Singh actually made the remarks then he deserves to be punished. The same standard of circumstantial evidence must be applied in the hearing against Brad Hogg.