Barry: Cricket’s Ashes gamesmanship leaves a bitter taste

Jul 15 2009 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

It was gripping and bizarre at the same time. Before each delivery the crowd were hushed, knowing one good ball would finish the game. And with every shot – usually a conservative prod by the tail-ender – the fans cheered wildly like they’d just seen a massive six.

It was a wonderful spectacle, but one thing spoiled it for me. With the game almost saved, England indulged in gamesmanship by sending on the 12th man and the physio to eat up some time.

It was an unseemly end to a gripping contest and Australian captain Ricky Ponting was right to complain about the gamesmanship after the match.

His criticism of the time-wasting as “pretty ordinary” was restrained. But I imagine that behind closed doors some harsher words were used.

Indeed, that little time- wasting ruse may be mentioned by Ponting to his team before they head out for the second test at Lord’s tomorrow.

Look out England – there’s nothing more dangerous than a fired-up Australian.