I believe that the IPL has managed to bring together this spirit despite whatever one might think....
Secondly, does anyone think that the sledging by the Aussies made them the top dog for so many years or was it just playing hard cricket with talent and a determination to win???
The very same determination as the Windies had in the Victory Days with sheer talent and determination... and yes we did do our share of sledging even though minor in comparison to other teams ...as we didn't need to !!
[quote author=Babulall link=topic=94377.msg602771#msg602771 date=1417784590]
Aussies won because of talent, sledging and intimidating the umpires. They also had Bucknor.
Good to see you are still around Cal. [/quote]
I hope that means just that ....
If it is who I think you are ... good to see you around too. Best Wishes to you, Mrs. Babu and the two young Babulalls !!
Very nice article and the gauntlet has been thrown down to themselves by Clarke!
The last Ashes series was the most vicious I have ever seen.
We will all remember a time when we applauded each batsman as he approached the crease, reserving a special one for the Captain!
We shook the hand of the opposition when reaching a milestone even if the bowler said, smiling, next over mate!
We even said bad luck when a batsman lost his right to be at the crease!
We mingled with opposition after games making friendships, many lasting, sharing a jug of ale of some sort, recognising and appreciating performances and discussing the nuances of this glorious game!
You played with players of different ages and that thought you a degree of tolerance for when you yourself get to that stage.
Even in the 70s and 80s we had American youths visiting Cricket games in the UK to show them how sports should be played!
Cricket was synonymous with fairness, sportsmanship, courage, comradery, walking, picking up the opposition's bat and all things good about the human spirit......
It is just not Cricket these days...
I would like to see this back starting with Internationals and especially the Aussies.