While its difficult to impress the general public with the regard to the Indian cricket team (They don't have the spirit to play..the passion is missing..only interested in making money through ads etc..the usual stuff..)
I have only respect and adulation towards the Indian team for having lifted their game to such a level: Not in the area of batting (though the Little Master proved his worth yet again in a scintillating century), not bowling either (not to play down the exploits of RP Singh and Bhajji),and not even fielding (though they were few complaints in that domain as well), but no, there was another aspect of their game that overshadowed their feats in all other departments: Their humble acceptance of the ridiculous umpiring decisions!!
You only need to see the replays of every single decision that went against them and you'll know what I mean. The fact that I didn't throw something at the television screen in frustration while watching the replays is a marvel in itself.
With the growing popularity of ipods and other portable musical accessories, I am beginning to suspect that umpires have begun to bring them to the field too. What else would explain missing a clear nick by Ponting when he was on a paltry 17?? (With Australia struck at 45/2)..but you could possibly excuse him for that..maybe it was his favourite song on the Ipod and he was listening to it too intently to notice; visually the nick was hard to tell.
But how could he miss Symonds' edge to the keeper. Despite all the song and dance in his earphones I am sure Mr. Bucknor would have seen the ball edged to the keeper..the deflection was clearly visible..but no, not out. Australia was tottering at 134/6,down and nearly out, but that wrong decision helped Symonds amass a mammoth 162 'not out' (which was obvious since none of the umpires seemed to be in the mood to give him out, so much so that even the third umpire 'erred'. Its all very murky indeed and its not due to bad light this time)
If we thought the Australian batting was all the surprises we would get, little did we know the two men in the proverbial white coats had plenty more in store for us.
Rahul Dravid, the poor guy has been facing much flack for dismal performance so far in the series and he seemed determined to prove his point. The Wall again erected his defences to give nothing away to the Aussies. But when you have the umpires on your side even the toughest of Walls, crumble. Rahul Dravid was given caught behind for a delivery in which the bat was not even visible when the ball passed to the keeper. Dravid had been clever enough (or so he thought) to tuck the bat right behind his leg to leave no doubt. However, the umpire had other plans in mind and for reasons only he himself can best explain, concluded that the bat had mysteriously managed to make contact and firmly raised his finger. Dravid's reaction "Arree yaar" couldn't have captured half the frustration he would have felt.
As the world watched in disbelief the test match continued and one could only hope and pray that the rest of the decisions would be fair. However, the umpires were in no mood to relent and saved the best for the last!
There have been many records made in this match but all would pale in comparison to the most ridiculous 'form' of umpiring decision. If one thought that the third umpire giving a wrong decision was the worst it could get, well , think again. Sourav Ganguly, was all set for another biggie when he edged one to the third slip, only to be scooped up by Michael Clarke. Ganguly, sensibly, stood his ground and looked to the umpire, Mr. Benson for his decision.
Mr. Benson, for his part, was clearly confused. He wasn't himself sure whether Clarke had grounded the ball while catching it and the batsman seemed determined to wait for his (Benson's) decision.
Pressure and stress will make man do the most extraordinary things in extenuating circumstances but what possessed Benson, to go to Ponting, yes Ponting (wasn't he the captain of the opposition team?) for his take on the situation, loses all sense of meaning. Ponting on his part, equally disappointing and hell bent on winning (like a child aged 9 playing his first match) emphatically gestured that Ganguly was out.
That was enough for Benson. Since 'Umpire Ponting' was so sure that Ganguly was out, there was no need for further judgement and confidently raised his finger.
After all the agony and frustration, day 5 finally closed with the inevitable..India crashing to a 122 run defeat..but when you have the Australian team + the umpires in the opposition..its a tough ask..one can only applaud the Indians for their effort.
