James Sutherland is the face of "The Ugly Australians"
Jason Gillespie
The Sydney Test: will it revive fairness?
Anil Divan
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Planned, systematic, expert-supported attack by verbal jousts and other
tactics to 'mentally disintegrate' the opposition is subversive of the
spirit of the game. It must be banned.
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The Sydney Test is a milestone in cricket history. It has spawned many
issues and raised innumerable questions of reforms in the International
Cricket Council rules. Peter Roebuck's felicitous phrase "a pack of wild
dogs" will forever remain in collective cricket memory. In India, it has
already achieved 'Vedic status.'
The Sydney imbroglio revives memories of the bodyline controversy of 1932-33
during the Ashes Series in Australia. Its condemnation was best expressed by
Walter Hammond, a member of Douglas Jardine's English team and later captain
of England, "I condemn it absolutely. Bodyline is dangerous. I have had to
face it, and I would have got out of the game if it had been allowed to
persist."
Bodyline cricket targeted a batsman physically. Currently, the Australian
philosophy as now supported by James Sutherland (Cricket Australia) is to
attack the opponents' minds and achieve 'mental disintegration'. If bodyline
is banned because it is a dangerous physical threat, why tactics of 'mental
disintegration' are not?
But let me first congratulate a large segment of the Australian media and
sportspersons which has vigorously criticised its own team. Australia is a
cricket-loving nation and so is India. The two countries are vibrant
democracies with a shared vision and cherished values of freedom of speech
and media, the rule of law and a passion for fairness and equality.
I have, as Lawasia president, interacted with the Australian legal
fraternity - judges and lawyers. They have nurtured and preserved an
independent and fearless legal system based on fairness. Recently, Indian
doctor Mohammed Haneef's visa was cancelled as a consequence of his
suspected links with abortive terror attacks in London and Glasgow. The
efforts of barristers Peter Russo and Stephen Keim were highly appreciated
in India.
For many cricket-lovers in India, Don Bradman is still considered numero
uno, surpassing W.G. Grace, Ranji, and our own Sachin Tendulkar. Bradman in
his Farewell to Cricket narrates how the bodyline controversy was given a
quietus by the MCC ruling that any form of bowling which is obviously a
direct attack by the bowler on the batsmen would be an offence against the
spirit of the game and was therefore unfair. Bradman mentions the comment of
Sir Pelham Warner in 1932 even before the bodyline controversy arose in an
English cricket match - "Bowes must alter his tactics. Bowes bowled with
five men on the on-side and sent down several very short-pitched balls which
repeatedly bounced head-high and more. Now that is not bowling, indeed it is
not cricket."
The ICC must seriously consider the whole philosophy and tactics of 'mental
disintegration' and 'sledging' raised to the level of a science by Cricket
Australia. A deliberate, well-planned, intensely rehearsed and fine-tuned
campaign with the assistance of expert psychologists including media blitz
and abusive on-field verbal 'sledging'. 'Sledging' literally means hitting
with a heavy blacksmith hammer. Cricket is all about 'fairness,' and 'fair'
means honest, just and straight-forward.
Steve Waugh refers to an article by John Thicknesse in 1994 in Wisden which
said "Border (Allan) will be remembered in England with respect than
affection stemmed from his condoning not infrequently his participation in
the sledging of opponents and umpires during play in open violation of ICC's
Code of Conduct." Waugh continues "Direct abuse to me is sledging - and
should never be allowed . Occasionally abuse did arise, and it was an area
we needed to clean up as we were aware kids were copying our every move and
such an example was not the one we wanted to set." Waugh's plea has fallen
on deaf years. James Sutherland is in a belligerent, combative and
unrepentant mood. He has ridiculed India and said that test cricket is not
"tiddly winks" and that Australia played hard and fair and will continue to
do so.
Guha Ray quotes Tony Greig on 'sledging' by Australians in a speech in
Johannesburg (Tehelka, January 19, 2008) - "I have never heard anything like
it. The whole thing is getting out of hand and the time has seriously come
for the authorities in the game to rethink the question of what players are
allowed to say on the field."
What is the way forward? In the short term, Australian Prime Minister Kevin
Rudd's advice "to settle the matter at the first available opportunity" and
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith's wise words - it is time for "cool heads" -
should be accepted.
But the BCCI should not lower its guard. The text, content and full reasons
of Mike Procter's order banning Harbhajan Singh were on the website of
neither the ICC nor the BCCI when this article was written. Nor is the
verbatim order available with the media. Why this lack of transparency?
Surely, the Indian public is entitled to know.
With difficulty, a full copy was made available to me by a generous source.
The charge was Harbhajan calling Andrew Symonds a 'monkey.'
A few important portions of the reasons given by Procter are extracted:
"The first issue for me is, did Harbhajan Singh say the word 'monkey' or
'big monkey'? I have heard evidence from Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke and
Matthew Hayden that he did say these words. Harbhajan denies saying these
words. Both umpires did not hear, nor did Ricky Ponting or Sachin Tendulkar.
I am satisfied and sure beyond reasonable doubt that Harbhajan Singh did say
these words."
"I am satisfied that the words were said and that the complaint to the
umpires which forms this charge would not have been put forward falsely. I
dismiss any suggestion of motive or malice".
"Whatever may have been said between them prior to Harbhajan Singh calling
Andrew Symonds a monkey is irrelevant. There is history between these two
players."
He finds that Tendulkar and the umpires were not in a position to hear the
words. He took into account a joint statement issued after the Mumbai
incident by the Indian and Australian Boards regarding the rest as
irrelevant.
The order has many glaring infirmities.
First, the finding is not clear as to whether what Harbhajan said was
'monkey' or 'big monkey.' Obviously there is a discrepancy in the evidence.
The charge mentioned only 'monkey.' Secondly, Australian witnesses were all
present at the same time. Evidence should have been taken singly and other
witnesses kept out. Thirdly, no reasons are given; only conclusions
mentioned. Particularly, the observation "this charge would not have been
put forward falsely" - and the unreasoned dismissal of the suggestion of
"motive and malice." The dishonest behaviour of Ponting and Clarke was seen
in live television coverage. They repeatedly appealed though the catches
were grounded. Harbhajan's batting on that day had frustrated the
Australians. Ponting has repeatedly been dismissed by Harbhajan and is now
Harbhajan's 'bunny.'
Fourthly, the prior events and conversation between Symonds and Harbhajan -
the most relevant fact - is rejected as irrelevant. Harbhajan had patted
Brett Lee who never protested nor complained nor came as a witness. Symonds
officiously intervened even though "there is history between these two
players" and as admitted by him in the Press "he had a go at him" and "took
a crack at Harbhajan." Symonds was then 'gagged' by Cricket Australia.
Obviously, there was provocative 'sledging' - why was it irrelevant?
Apparently, a well-planned provocation, leading to a false complaint to
remove a thorn from the Australian side. A classic attempt to achieve
'mental disintegration'. Facts sufficient to raise a reasonable doubt were
ignored. Mike Procter's error, if not bias, is apparent. Fifthly, the BCCI
needs to look carefully at the article written by Avirook Sen (Hindustan
Times, Jan. 9, 2008) about the biases, views and opinions of Mike Procter
during the 'Apartheid' days. He reportedly characterised India's stand
against the ban on South African cricket as hypocritical.
In the long term, there is the wider question of fairness and preserving the
spirit of the game. Rules have to be modified. Some forms of abuse may be
terms of endearment in Australia but in the playing fields of India, they
would provoke fisticuffs and even a minor riot. Planned, systematic,
expert-supported attack by verbal jousts and other tactics to 'mentally
disintegrate' the opposition is subversive of the spirit of the game. It
must be banned. Further technology must be utilised widely with the players'
right to appeal. Seven out of the eight horrible decisions in the Sydney
Test could have been avoided.
If Cricket Australia wants a fight and no change in the rules, the
Australian 'dingo' will have to be reined in by the 'British lion' and the
'three Asian tigers.'
Finally, I salute the Australian media and its great sportspersons for their
forthright criticism while 'pointing' an accusing finger at James
Sutherland, the face of the "Ugly Australians."
(The writer is a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India.)
subi...@notmail.com
mental tactics were in cricket before the british taught indians about sport
of cricket
and long before oz made that term mental disintergrate
Dave (SA)
A quoted source. Thank you Mr Gillespie
Its not a bad article. I disagree with some of it but some make sense
Husband of All FBI n NSA agents
"subi...@notmail.com" <sub...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:fmk4tj$3u6$1...@aioe.org...
a>i see you are stupid again,CricketLeague
>
> mental tactics were in cricket before the british taught indians about
> sport of cricket
> and long before oz made that term mental disintergrate
>
FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY ARE ILLUSIONS in USA
LIST OF FBI n NSA PSYCHOPATHS:
Rodney Ulyate aka Diggler aka R Shakey aka Curious George
bhandava
T I D Z
arahim
MacJoubert
Subirwa
David Noon
Yorker Impostor
Darkfalz
David Singh Impostor
CricketLeague Impostor
Mungbean
Will add other FBI n NSA PSYCHOPATHS names to this
ever expanding list later.
MacJoubert userid is used by different FBI n NSA PSYCHOPATHS
at different times. None of you can figure that out. It needs special
talents and skills.
On 12/20/07 there was some problem with the drainage in my
bath room tub and the flush. This PSYCHOPATHIC FBI n
NSA BASTARD Macjoubert read my private thoughts with
SYNTHETIC TELEPATHY chips secretly installed in my body
and POSTED this comment the next day on rsc.
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.sport.cricket/msg/7ec0b74b4fed9e50
Why do you think MacJoubert suddenly mentioned "turds down the
drain, water and slow dissolving death" the next day on 12/21/07
COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT to the topic being discussed ?
This FBI n NSA PSYCHOPATH knows about Gurlate because he
can TRACK any person on internet with the UNLIMITED POWER
given to these PSYCHOPATHS by 310 mil DUMB AMERICANS
(PUSSERICANS) who think they are living in a FREE SOCIETY.
Rodney Ulyate aka Diggler aka R Shakey aka Curious George
is another FBI n NSA PSYCHOPATH that is TORTURING
NON-MUSLIM AMERICANS.
These TORTURES have NOTHING TO DO WITH Islam or 911.
These FBI n NSA PSYCHOPATHS and RACISTS BLAMED
FLOURIDATION POISONING on JEWS TOO.....
Just read the subject title in this link.......
Flouridation a JEW SCHEME ?
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.activism/msg/879cd0abaee2f263
Some of the TORTURE VICTIMS are HIGHLY EDUCATED
WHITE CHRISTIANS namely Dr Robert Dunford, Mr Derrick
Robinson and Ms Susan Sayler for example. All of these WHITE
CHRISTIAN TORTURE VICTIMS live in USA.
I also know some WHITE CHRISTIAN TORTURE VICTIMS in
ENGLAND and other parts of EUROPE. Will post their names
LATER.....
You, your wife and kids will be SECRETLY EMBEDDED with
nanotechnology based SYNTHETIC TELEPATHY CHIPS and
PSYCHO-ELECTRONIC WEAPONS in the near future IF NOT already
even if YOU CONTINUALLY SUCK these FBI and NSA
PSYCHOPATHS DICKS like Rodney Ulyate, MacJoubert, John Winthrop,
Diggler, arahim etc.
Its ONLY a MATTER OF TIME before EVERY HUMAN BEING will
be FORCED to HAVE NANOTECHNOLOGY based SYNTHETIC
TELEPATHY chips embedded in their bodies and their PRIVATE
THOUGHTS MONITORED by FBI and NSA COMPUTERS which
can READ and DECIPHER a HUMAN BEING's PRIVATE
THOUGHTS in about 15-30 seconds.
FORGET FREEDOM OF SPEECH.......No body will have
FREEDOM OF "THOUGHT" any more just like I didnt for the
last 6 years.
MI-5, MI-6 are ALSO INVOLVED in these MIND CONTROL,
MIND MANIPULATION TORTURES and PSYCHO-ELECTRONIC
WEAPON ATTACKS for DECADES in England.
PLANET EARTH has ONLY ONE CHOICE.
TO SUPPORT ME to FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS, CIVIL LIBERTIES
and FREEDOMS of NOT ONLY EVERY AMERICAN but also EVERY
HUMAN BEING ON THIS PLANET.
I am the LAST HOPE of HUMANITY TO LIVE with ANY DIGNITY and
SELF RESPECT and with FREEDOM and CIVIL LIBERTIES.
All the resident RACISTS alvey, will_s, Andrew Dunford, Phil, Paul Robson,
max.it, Mike Holmans, dechuka, Wog George, Rodney Hampson, Erchie will
SUPPORT ME if they have ANY INKLING of whats gonna happen to
them, their family, their children and grand children and EVERY HUMAN
in the NEAR FUTURE.
YES, ALL HUMAN BEINGS will be CONTROLLED and MONITORED by
FBI n NSA COMPUTERS.
http://www.mindcontrolforums.com/pro-freedom.co.uk/cov_us.html
YOU fucking MORONS HAVE NO IDEA how much ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
these FBI and NSA PSYCHOPATHS have DEVELOPED SECRETLY for DECADES
and have been TORTURING INNOCENT HUMAN BEINGS.
You will be COMPLETE IDIOTS and MORONS if YOU THINK YOU WILL BE
SPARED by these FBI, NSA, MI-5, MI-6 PSYCHOPATHS and SADISTS if YOU
SUCK THEIR DICKS PUBLICLY and PRETEND to LIKE and WORSHIP THEM.
It is a COMMON PRACTICE for these FBI n NSA PSYCHOPATHS to
POST PRIVATE THOUGHTS of TORTURE VICTIMS on internet newsgroups
in the form of " words in comments" or "subject title" or "posters name" or
"their email id" This was REPORTED by MANY OTHER TORTURE VICTIMS
in AMERICA that INCLUDE WHITE CHRISTIANS who are VERY
INTELLIGENT with ADVANCED degrees like Masters and PHD in Physics,
Chemistry, Psychology, Electrical Engineering, Computers, Sociology, Math
and some of the victims are even DOCTORS.