Having bitched and whined, I have to say this Test series has been enthralling – from the first innings of Test 2 when it looked like Australia had a challenger at last, and India looked like it actually would pull it together (at last! at last!) into a great performance. I feel rather bereft now that it’s over, it’s more fun than a one-dayer triangular series which always gets me through a summer. Almost.

I agree that the Aussie media and a large section of Aussie society lives in a make-believe world when it comes to their sports stars (the Iraq analogy is ever so slightly excessive?). Delusional, perhaps, is the best word for it. I think the Kiwi judge did a good job and I am happy to see that the process brought about a better outcome. The next step (in addition to disciplining Singh who clearly need to be reined in) is to tackle sledging more formally and fully.

You’re quoting the Hun – sorry, Herald-Sun? I wouldn’t put it past Ranatunga. When he came in 95-96 there was the same level of acrimony. He has honorary doctorates in getting under Aussie skin for sure! But with all of the acrimony he did’nt’ pull out – and remember that our top bowlers right to play the game itself was under constant attack – so I think it’s Ranatunga being himself, as usual.

Oh, and the fourth test: shame it was a draw, but that’s Adelaide, I guess. It’s always high scoring batter’s pitch and England lost there last year after scoring 551.

JJ, am Lankan and have always opposed the pull-out which always seemed like a cop-out to me.

Beg to disagree fg, I don’t think it was a cop-out, IMO it had an opposite effect – it raised the stakes for everyone including BCCI. I think it was pretty bold move. Indian’s had no option other than to sit quietly and wait for appeal process to get over. The pullout bluff not only got everybody’s attention it just might have expedited the process.

It seems that Aussie media and Aussies live in a completely different make believe world. At some level it reminds me of the days before Iraq war when “conservative” Americans were convinced of the presence of WMDs in Iraq.

There was no deal and there was no buyout – the judge rendered a verdict based on the evidence that he was presented. Moreover if Aussies are such proud people then why did the players agreed to downgrade the charge. I have no sympathy for Aussies – ( not much for Harbhajan either for that matter)

I am thinking that in future such issues will be handled in a better way – especially by ICC and its officers. This is good news for all the Asian Bloc teams.

Flygirl – “herald sun” reported that even Ranatunga said that his team would not have played (pulled out of tri-nation ODI) if this appeal was not handled properly – is it true? Or this is Ranatunga being Ranatunga ? (BTW: he also said sledging should be banned . He must have a Phd in the art of getting under Aussie skin.

<

blockquote JJ, am Lankan and have always opposed the pull-out which always seemed like a cop-out to me. So not sure if my opinion matters

Thanks Sulabh and flygirl. I was trying to get a feel for what it must be like in your neck of the woods right now. I’ve enjoyed lurking while the assorted cricket crew post comments in the late evening (EST) while the match is on. And Flygirl, of course it matters, good luck to Lanka against Australia. See you when South Africa plays India.

JJ, am Lankan and have always opposed the pull-out which always seemed like a cop-out to me. So not sure if my opinion matters