The series between India and Australia turned ugly not only due to players this time but also due to poor judgment by Match Referee Chris Broad.
After gliding the ball from Watson to fine leg, Gambhir started running. On the way, Watson said something (away from the microphone) and raised his right hand. While coming back for the 2nd run, Gambhir opened up his elbow and dashed Watson (made physical contact).
After the umpires reported the incident to the match referee, Watson was fined 10% of his match for his provocation and Gambhir was banned for one test match.
Though Gambhir pleaded guilty, the cricketing world including me feel that it is unfair as Watson was let off.
Can anyone provoke something and get less punishment? This is a cheap tactic by Australian cricketers and Ponting is the leader for that.
WHAT IS THE NEED FOR THE FIELDING TEAM TO TALK TO THE BATSMEN? Australians played cheap tactic by sleding away from microphone and provoking the other team members to react and complain to match referee.
This is how they can win the matches or by cheating on the field by claiming catches that were not taken. The call it AGGRESSIVENESS! GREAT JOKE!
Referee Broad said that as per ICC rules, no physical contact should be made against the opposite team players. Though this could have resulted in two test match ban, based on umpires input that Watson provoked it, the ban was imposed for one test match.
Watson cannot appeal, but Gambhir can because it is a level 2 offense and he has 24 hours to do so.
Gambhir was alredy involved in a similar incident with Afridi on November 14, 2007. Both were let off with 50% fine on match fee by referee Roshan Mahanama.
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