Would Ricky have smashed own TV?
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The World Cup has started off on a sour note. The incident involving Australia captain Ricky Ponting and the lathicharge on the Bengaluru crowd were incidents the tournament could have done well without. Ponting’s place among the greatest in the game will never be in any doubt but his behaviour on Monday has left a lot to be desired.
Smashing a television set in the dressing room is not the right precedent a captain sets. Even legends like Clive Lloyd and Imran Khan who were absolute dominant forces always ensured their aggression was channelled in the right direction and everything was kept inside the field of play.
Would Ponting have done the same in his house? At the end of the day he was run out and that is not the end of the world, he should have shown better composure. The crowd trouble in my city showed the usually fun-loving and warm Bengaluru fans in poor light. Followers of the game will vouch that the M. Chinaswamy Stadium presents one of the better atmospheres in world cricket and a good percentage is through the well behaved fans.
Fans must understand that the local association had their hands tied when it came to this particular match. So many tourists had booked their tickets online and many others who had purchased their tickets in Kolkata would have wanted to come to Bengaluru for the love of the game. With tickets limited and in enormous demand there is nothing much that can be done.
Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath must be complimented for the way they have conducted affairs so far. What happens outside the stadium is not in their control but they have held on to things well and have set the right example.
I just hope things fall in place quickly. During my playing days, I distinctly remember, the Eden Gardens having more than a hundred thousand spectators inside and an equal number outside the venue with their transistors on. Followers of the game must accept that it is not possible for all demands to be met.
The first set of matches have all been one-sided with Sehwag providing the sparks. I am sure the razor edge contests are not far away. Firepower in the middle order and quality of spin will go a long way in deciding the winners in this tournament. There is definitely some high quality cricket in store.
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