Cricket is termed as a gentleman’s game and every player should always uphold ‘Spirit Of The Game.’ However, such is not always the case. Yesterday, when Australia squared off against Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup’s semi-final, it wasn’t. Or maybe it was. You be the judge.
The Kangaroos had to chase 177 runs off their quota of 20 overs. It was the 8th over of their chase when Babar handed the ball to Mohammed Hafeez. David Warner was on the strike and Mohammad Hafeez was expected to take his wicket, or at least be economical. However, neither was the case.
Rather, Mr. Hafeez felt the pressure. He crumbled under it as his very first delivery slipped out of his hand. The ball bounced twice; first near the popping crease and then before David Warner. Regardless, the Australian batsman gave it a proper, full-blooded smack; crouching low to get under the leather.
This is hilarious ? #AUSvsPAK pic.twitter.com/FRMYVwXNXu
— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) November 11, 2021
By cricketing rules, it was a no-ball. While the netizens loved Warner’s presence of mind, former Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir didn’t quite like it.
Gambhir schools Warner, Ravi Ashwin responds
In the post-match analysis, Gautam was seen criticizing David Warner for taking advantage of a delivery that had ‘slipped’ out of the bowler’s hand. Later, Gambhir even took to Twitter, calling Warner’s move ‘pathetic.’ He tweeted, “What an absolutely pathetic display of the spirit of the game by Warner. #Shameful what say @ashwinravi99?” The tweet is attached below.
What an absolutely pathetic display of spirit of the game by Warner! #Shameful What say @ashwinravi99? pic.twitter.com/wVrssqOENW
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) November 11, 2021
Former Indian opener tagged Ashwin, who was put under the scanner for his IPL mankading incident. Ashwin’s move was heavily criticized by former cricketers, especially by Aussies. So, when an Aussie Twitterati termed Gambhir’s tweet “Bad”, off-spinner decided that he had had enough.
Comparing the morality of David Warner’s six to his own Mankad of Buttler, R Ashwin responded, “His point is that if this is right, that was right. If that was wrong, this is wrong too. Fair assessment? @plalor.” Here’s the interaction.
His point is that if this is right , that was right. If that was wrong , this is wrong too. Fair assessment? @plalor
— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) November 12, 2021
Absolutely it was a wonderful hit by @davidwarner31 ??. Great shot
— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) November 12, 2021