The Sydney cricket test has always been an event that I look forward to, almost in a ritualistic fashion. On the first day after lunch, I made my way across the expansive grounds of Moore Park. As I drew closer to my designated gate of entry, my imagination over what was happening behind these huge walls grew intense.
As I managed to get clearance from the first check point by presenting my baggage for clearance, assuring the security guard that I was without any bottles or similar forms of beverage containers, I moved forward with great anticipation. As I entered the sacred grounds of the SCG, numbers swelled and characters in the crowd were becoming apparent. Funnelling thru the corridors looking for my appropriate bay, I caught a glimpse of the green field with the pure whites fluttering under the intense sun, almost appearing biblical. I could almost smell the greenest of grasses with a whiff of the Kookaburra leather. Immediately my resolve grew and I moved further with greater purpose trying to find my allocated vantage point, or close enough.
Needless to say this test made me return on day three, this time in style via the corporate boxes. As anticipated these boxes make for more of a social day rather than a committed day of watching cricket. However when Sachin scored runs partnered by Ganguly, everyone was focused and committed. Another excellent day’s cricket, with a great Indian fight back. Words and phrases like ‘competitive’, ‘making a game of it’ and ‘good for cricket’, were being used.
Although the test has left a sour taste, much like vegemite to an Indian tourist, I would say it was a fitting end. Ponting proved his claim of seeing the game in a different vein, his tactics of scoring Indians out of the game and hence making them bat for their lives was just that: bat to the end or you’re dead. Had he failed and the last Indian wicket stuck around to face another over, I’m sure the pundits would be of a different opinion. Apparently his hindsight vision is just as impaired as everyone else’s, hence his foresight must be commended.
The umpiring was atrocious, Bucknor, a real veteran of the game, must realise that this job requires complete physical and mental fitness. My issue is not so much with the umpiring, bearing in mind these are neutral umpires. They did not ‘cheat’, they made mistakes.
Having said that, I feel that Adam Gilchrist who has been hailed as a champion of fair play, did not portray his famous character. Perhaps that is not his true side and we have made him into a holy character: proved his miracles and confirmed his saint hood. I refuse to believe that Gilchrist was unaware whether Dravid edged the ball or not. In fact, it’s hard to see how he can be sure of anything other then the fact that it missed Dravid’s bat by the proverbial mile.
Gilchrist would’ve known Dravid missed it by a long mile. Combined that with the introduction of the squash ball, which I though was also unethical [brilliant idea though] perhaps Gilchrist is not the saint that he had us believe. Or shall we say he is just a cricketer out to win no matter what the cost.
The great Aussie spirit of what happens on the field stays on the field has died perhaps? Or maybe a case whereby the taste of one’s own medicine is not so sweet.
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