No More a Gentleman’s Game.

“Only one team was playing in right spirit of the game.” These were the words of Indian test skipper Anil Kumble on Sunday after losing a nail biting game of test cricket match with Australia. Those who know Kumble would know that it is very unlike him to have come up with such strong words for the opposite team. So what prompted Mr. skipper? Well, a series of wrong decisions by umpires - all going in favour of Aussie - was just a tip of the iceberg. What really was behind Kumble’s anger was the total lack of sportsman spirit shown by Ricky Ponting and his team.

As the rule goes you cannot and must not question umpire’s judgment on a cricket pitch. Fair enough. I personally also don’t think there is too much to read in the way both the umpires behaved on field (except Sourav’s decision when Benson ruled him out on Ponting’s version.) Umpires are humans and they are bound to make mistakes. It is very easy to find excuses when we lose. The fact of the matter is India could not bat even 2 full sessions to pull out a draw.

On the other side the champion Aussie wanted to prove a point. They were on the verge of equalling a world record of 16 consecutive test victories. The earlier record was with them only but it was regarded as Steve Waugh’s team!! This was the Ricky Ponting’s team. And if they had an opportunity to show their might they will - even at the cost of cricket. So their batsmen (Ponting, Symonds) stood their ground even after knowing they were out. They appealed incessantly for LBW’s and caught behind’s even after knowing the batsmen (Sourav, Dravid, Dhoni) were clear cut non outs. They used all the dark tricks in their book to see that they win a match which seemed a clear candidate of draw and at the end secure their name in record books. Umpires helped their cause by playing their part. (by giving Jafer out on a no-ball, not involving third umpire on numerous occasions when needed)

And the result? At the end ,Australia might have won the match and secured a world record but for me the proverbial game of test cricket has lost a tag. Tag of being a “Gentleman’s Game” that is.