Summer of discontent

This summer’s cricket will probably go down as probably the most controversial and ill tempered series since Bodyline. The ill will between Australia and India was obvious throughout the tests and ODI series as two competitive sides fought it out.

The honours were arguably even, with Australia victorious in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and India claiming the CB Series. What was most frustrating about both these series was the way in which both teams at times conducted themselves.

The media coverage was at time bordering on the ridiculous. As India lost the second test at Sydney by the barest of margins, therefore sealing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claims of poor umpiring and poor sportsmanship by the Australians came roaring out from both sides of the trenches.

Not only were the Indian media predictably up in arms, respected commentators Peter English and Peter Roebuck came out throwing verbal knives at the Australian cricket team’s conduct. Roebuck was particularly scathing of Ricky Ponting, going so far as to call for his sacking and replacement by Simon Katich.

It was a sign of the turbulence that would continue throughout the series, and to be brutally honest, the Australian team never really recovered mentally. They were absolutely battered by the negative treatment in the media and it became a dead weight around their necks.

Sure, there is no excuse for poor form, but it must be born in mind that they were under more pressure from the media than usual. India delighted in their use of the media to heighten their mental pressure on Australia, and it probably worked.

Sadly it also got wearisome for fans to see the constant bickering in newspapers and on television, and as a result, despite some tight contests, some fans turned away in frustration.

Australia had an up and down summer. Generally their bowling was pretty good, especially from Allan Border Medallist Brett Lee and then CB Man of the Series Nathan Bracken, who continues to be underrated despite the fact he is probably the best ODI bowler in the world.

Their batsmen, Matthew Hayden apart, have been pretty flat. Ricky Ponting has endured probably his worst season for years, with poor returns in the tests and ODI series. The once impregnable middle order looked decidedly frail this summer, and looks especially so now without the presence of Adam Gilchrist.

India, however, gained strength as they went along. They benefited immensely from the discovery of Ishant Sharma, probably the best fast bowling talent in years. And their young bowlers were unintimidated by the ‘Australian aura’, which seems to affect other teams.

They were not the innocent victims as they often made out. Harbajan was a constant thorn with his behaviour, which was worse than any Australian. He repeatedly abused and harangued the Australian players and it remains a mystery how he escaped punishment for racially abusing Andrew Symonds.
It was generally the usual offenders such as Harbajan and Irfan Pathan, who is extremely cheeky. Sreesanth was an absolute picture of clarity, and was very disciplined and subdued. While his aggression is needed, it is good that he isn’t going over the top.

I’m just personally glad, mainly as a supporter since this has all made good news for me job wise, that this summer is over and these two teams can simmer until the next series, which I’m sure will be a hotly contested as ever.





P.S. Farewell Sachin.