Mark 'Pitch Report' Waugh takes shot at Sunny

[shailesh]

www.smh.com.au: Ugly Aussies? Gavaskar has a hide - and a short memory Mark Waugh March 25, 2007 AUSTRALIA have an even tougher job than winning an unprecedented third straight World Cup - they must win the hearts and minds of their critics who label them the "ugly" Aussies. One of the hardest things in cricket is shedding a title. A batsman described as "gritty" finds it a hell of a task to be acknowledged for other traits. The Aussies face the same struggle because sledging is what the media and critics home in on. Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar was the latest to stir the pot when he suggested Ricky Ponting's men were poorly behaved. In a lamentable tirade, he used the death of David Hookes as a result of head injuries suffered in a fight with a bouncer in 2004 as an "example" when he suggested Australian players would risk being punched if they used the sort of talk in a bar that he claimed some used on the field. Gavaskar, who seems to be trying to establish himself as the game's custodian of righteousness, has little credibility in regard to onfield behaviour. In 1981, during the MCG Test, he used his position as captain to make his fellow opener follow him off the pitch as a form of protest for what he considered an unfair lbw decision. He then accused umpire Rex Whitehead of favouring the Aussies. I don't think Ricky Ponting, or any of the Australian team for that matter, have ever tried to pull that stunt. But the number of people who agreed with Gavaskar - about the bad behaviour, not Hookes - on internet chat sites was telling. Australia's culture was attacked, the team's integrity questioned and the sledging scrutinised. Some of the language they used would've made our slips cordon blush. This attitude persists despite such things as Adam Gilchrist's walking in a World Cup semi-final and the team's commitment to helping a variety of charities and they're the first to congratulate their opponents when they're beaten. The Australian teams I played for, and those I've watched since retiring, play hard but fair. They play within the rules while other teams, especially those from the subcontinent, don't mind pushing the rules. I cite such things as their preparedness to call for runners when maybe the batsman doesn't warrant one, or by fielding specialist fieldsmen as substitutes, as not being in the spirit of the game. And then there's examples of ball tampering. Australian teams do "talk" to their opponents but it is seldom personal. I have to think long and hard to cite an example of someone going overboard. The difference between many teams is that Australia, South Africa and the Kiwis want to win as a team, so they play hard, whereas players from the subcontinent appear happy to play for individual performances, though with Tom Moody as their coach the Sri Lankans are developing some Aussie-style confidence. I can't even consider suggestions the Australian team is arrogant. There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance and the latter would not be tolerated by Ricky or coach John Buchanan. If someone steps out of line, Ricky would have no hesitation taking the culprit down a peg by taking him aside for a quiet chat. Australia are strong enough to handle the criticism. I dare say Gavaskar has only sharpened their mental and competitive edge. If Australia do play India - which is now highly unlikely - he has surely given them extra motivation to win. He'd be better off using his energy to help improve the Indian team. But maybe it is easier to slag off the Aussies.

[Guest BossBhai]

Re: Mark 'Pitch Report' Waugh takes shot at Sunny -- Removed on request of the user --

[DravidDaBest]

Re: Mark 'Pitch Report' Waugh takes shot at Sunny

I can't even consider suggestions the Australian team is arrogant. There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance and the latter would not be tolerated by Ricky or coach John Buchanan. If someone steps out of line, Ricky would have no hesitation taking the culprit down a peg by taking him aside for a quiet chat

Yeah, yeah...We saw that when your STUPID AND ARROGANT Ponting and team member PUSHED a minister from dias. When they've so much arrogance off field to higher official, imagine their arrogance and ugly behaviour on-field especially them being no.1 team Mr.Mark Waugh, whether Sunny or the world label you or not, you're and you'll remain the ugly ones until you come out of the denial mode

[yoda]

Re: Mark 'Pitch Report' Waugh takes shot at Sunny

I don't think Ricky Ponting, or any of the Australian team for that matter, have ever tried to pull that stunt. But the number of people who agreed with Gavaskar - about the bad behaviour, not Hookes - on internet chat sites was telling.

now you fuk off mark the pri.ck. :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[Mandrake]

Re: Mark 'Pitch Report' Waugh takes shot at Sunny whoa...looks like Waugh was browsing this site of late...what's that guy's id...want to send him few choicest PM's :lmao: :lmao:

[talksport]

Re: Mark 'Pitch Report' Waugh takes shot at Sunny Between what is latest going rates for "Pitch Reports" Mr. Waugh....

[gator]

Re: Mark 'Pitch Report' Waugh takes shot at Sunny this is the main reason why, i didnt want Sunny to apologise for hookes' reference.... the moment, u step back, these guys will climb all over u like Roaches.....

[shailesh]

Re: Mark 'Pitch Report' Waugh takes shot at Sunny quite right gats, decency se treat karne ki aukat nahi hai unki

[soma]

Re: Mark 'Pitch Report' Waugh takes shot at Sunny

Between what is latest going rates for "Pitch Reports" Mr. Waugh....

:lmao: We need some Indian reporters like you who can be spontaneous and embarrass these aussie pussies.