Sunday, March 20, 2011

‘Tendulkar showed how role-models should act’


KARACHI: Former and current Pakistan cricketers believe that Sachin Tendulkar has shown the right way; the way role-models should conduct themselves on the field after he walked off the ground against West Indies on Sunday.

Tendulkar showed great sportsman spirit by walking off the field in spite of on-field Umpire Steve Davis giving him not out when he was caught-behind off Ravi Rampaul.

It was an entirely different way to what Ricky Ponting did the other day when he stood his ground against Pakistan after snicking the ball to Kamran Akmal and was given out after a referral by Shahid Afridi.

Test leg-spinner spinner Danish Kaneria praised Tendulkar’s decision to leave the field.

“Sachin Tendulkar has set a perfect example for millions of followers and by walking off,” Kaneria told ‘The News’ on Sunday.

“It’s great to see that he understands his responsibilities as a legend.

“Every batsman likes to bat as much as he can but there are times when you have to decide whether you fulfill your desire or maintain the spirit of the game.”

Meanwhile, he added that Ponting should not have stood his ground.

“Ponting is a great player and shouldn’t have stood his ground.

“He should have realised that he is not only followed by the fans but by several international players as well.

“The Australian skipper has a great stature and that’s why his actions are always under the microscope.”

Ponting’s former teammate Adam Gilchirist showed great character in 2003 World Cup’s semifinal, as he walked off the field after being given not out.

Gilchrist got a top-edge while trying to sweep Arvinda de Silva. The ball flew off his pads and was caught by Kumar Sangakkara but Umpire Rudi Koertzen ignored the Sri Lankans’ appeal, ruling that the ball had only hit the pad before popping up.

Gilchrist waited to hear the verdict but when decision came in his favour he decided to walk back to the pavilion. But Ponting at that time as well said in his press conference that he won’t encourage his players to do so.

A top-notch former Test player said that Ponting should have atleast recalled the actions of Gilchirist.

“Ponting for a second should have recalled the example set by Gilly in 2003,” he told on the condition of anonymity, due to personal commitments.

Read More

http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=37322&Cat=10&dt=3/21/2011

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