Ricky Ponting will have a hard discussion with Ashwin about Mankading. At first when I read this sentence, I was really stunned. I thought it must be a mistake. Hence, I reread it. Ricky Ponting will have a hard discussion with Ashwin about Mandaking. I just cannot believe it. Could this be true? Was Ponting really serious? Does he even have the moral authority for such a discussion?
In support of Mankading
Firstly, I am very much in favour of Mankad. The game is already heavily loaded in favour of the batsmen. Absolutely flat wickets, short boundaries, exceptionally heavy bats that even mishits are carried across the boundary, archaic laws etc. Even in a country like Australia where about 15 years ago, batsmen will be able to run a 5, boundaries are shortened. All of these and a few others have ensured that the bowlers are there to support the batsmen. The batsmen are the stars of the game. Hence, bowlers need every possible support they can get. It includes Mankading.
Ponting’s comments about hard discussion with Ashwin
“Look, I know he’s done it, there’ll be others around the tournament who’ll think about doing this well but that’s not going to be the way that we play our cricket. We won’t be doing that’. “So, that’s going to be a conversation and that’s going to be a hard conversation I will have to have with him, but I’m pretty sure he’ll take it on the chin.
“I think, even him, looking back now, probably he’d say it was within the rules and he’s right to do it, but this is not within the spirit of the game, not in the way I want, at least with the Delhi Capitals anyway,” Ponting said. “I think there’s ways that you can actually stop batsmen cheating like that. If the bowler was to stop, and the batsman was a foot out of his crease for instance, why don’t you just penalise him some runs or something? Then they won’t do it again.”
Does Ponting really have the moral authority to talk about spirit of the game? Does he think that he has always played the game in the correct way? Well, evidences seems to suggest the exact opposite. It looks like Ponting has conveniently forgotten the fact that he played for a team that is not exactly known for their sportsmanship. There are so many instances involving Australian cricketers that they were known as the ugly Aussies. Now, let us see how Ponting has always upheld the spirit of the game? How Ponting has displayed sportsmanship and have conducted himself extremely professional on the field of play?
The infamous Sydney Test of 2008
The first video is from the famous Sydney Test of 2008. At 00:26 seconds, it will be crystal clear that Ponting grassed the catch, it is another matter whether was it a catch, and he scooped the ball from the turf and then appealed. This is the person who is speaking about the spirit of the game. Further on, in the same test, at 02:07, one more appeal by Australia for a grassed catch. This time it was Michael Clarke.
As Gavaskar says in that video, the ball touched the ground when the fielder was in the act of taking the catch. That is clearly not out and to add insult to injury, it was the captain, Ricky Ponting, who gave the batsman out. It is another matter the umpiring was atrocious. Why should the umpire consult the fielding side’s captain before declaring a batsman out? That is utter nonsense but Ponting being the captain must have been held accountable. Again, Ponting must be the last person to talk about the spirit of the game.
Ponting cheating again, against Pakistan
In the second video, at 00:23 seconds, you can see that Ponting got a huge deflection of the bat and yet stood there and until the decision was referred to the third umpire who eventually declared him out. This is the gentleman that talks about spirit of the game.
Mindblowing spirt of the game showcased by the Aussies
In the third video, at 02:04, Langer casually walks past the stumps and dislodges a bail and then the Aussies appealed that the batsman had hit the wicket. So much for spirit of the game.
Ponting fighting with umpire
In this video, just look at how Ponting is seen fighting with the umpire Aleem Dar. The Australians appealed for caught behind, the umpire refused and it was referred to the third umpire. It was clear that the ball never touched the bat and Pietersen was ruled not out. Ponting should have accepted and must have carried on. No he doesn’t. He shouts at the umpire and Aleem Dar is seen to explain to Ponting why was it not out when he was not required to.
Conclusion
These are only a few of cheating Ponting’s exploits. There might be more if I could dig in. Having said that, Ponting did all that he could during his playing career that dismembered every part of the spirit of the game. Maybe he was within his rights to stand guard until the umpire has given him out but he must look at himself more than 10 times before giving spirit of the game advise to anyone.
Do you think Ricky Ponting has the moral authority to comment on spirit of the game? Do you think he is justified in talking to Ashwin? if you have any question, feel free to write your comments in the box below. I will try to answer.