Ugly Aussies bare fangs, again

Sumit Mukherjee TNN
Perth: Pact or no pact, the Aussies made it clear at the WACA on Wednesday they would continue to pursue their brand of aggressive cricket that invited widespread criticism in the wake of their Sydney triumph. Caught in their own web of lies and deceit over the WACA wicket, the Aussies resorted to typical gamesmanship on the field in a bid to unsettle the Indian batsmen who ruled the better part of Day I of the third Test. However, to their credit, they did make a conscious effort not to violate the spirit of the game, as agreed to by their captain Ricky Ponting and Indian skipper Anil Kumble. From staring down and hustling batsmen, making body contact with them while they were running to slowing down the over-rate, pressuring umpires with vociferous appeals, swearing under their breath, the ‘ugly’ Aussies tried every trick in the trade on a day not much went right for them.

The Indians, known for their tolerance, took it in their stride — in good faith and good humour. Rahul Dravid, for example, was shoved twice — once by Shaun Tait on his follow-through, and then by Mike Hussey while trying to get back into his crease. The salty pro did not let these bother him, but once the Aussies, having fallen behind on over-rate, tried to get their overs in quickly, he showed his irritation. “What I did not like was the Aussies trying to hustle me by not giving me enough time to settle down in my stance before their bowlers delivered. I pointed it to both umpires and the matter was settled.

No big deal,” Dravid explained. Symonds was lucky not to be reported for over-appealing Perth: The Aussies tried every trick in the trade to unsettle the Indians on Day 1 of the Perth Test. For instance, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose had to face the ire of Aussies when a strap of his thigh pad came off after an impact with the ball. As Dhoni took his time to fix the problem, a few Australian players gathered to give him 'the stare'. Brett Lee, easily the pick of the Australian bowlers on Day I, is, of course, has a masters degree in staring at batsmen. He simply walks up the batsman after beating him and gives him a 'Lee Special' (cold stare with a half-smile). Sachin Tendulkar, Dhoni and Irfan Pathan all were accorded that 'privilege' which, however, was sans any sideffects.

Andrew Symonds is easily the most hot-tempered and volatile character in the Aussie ranks. He was lucky not to have been reported for trying to intimidate umpire Asad Rauf for turning down his 'roaring' appeal for lbw against Tendulkar. He went on and on along with the slip fielders led by Ponting. Both Symonds and Ponting were caught on camera mouthing something, but it was difficult to say whether it was aimed at the umpire or their own selves. On India's part the most unsporting gesture came from Sourav Ganguly who took 'ages' to reach the crease after Tendulkar was given out and then realized he had left his arm guard behind! Howzzzaat!

excerpts from TOI
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