Silly game, cricket is turning out to be. As many had expected (especially after being auctioned for millions of dollars in the Indian Premier League) the 'mighty' Australians are now softening up.
So, don't be surprised to see the big grin on the face of Matthew Hayden turning into an affectionate smile. His boxing gloves (yes, the ones with which he wanted to take on Ishant Sharma) have now been safely tucked away in the old trunk of his storeroom (with mothballs inside them since the next series against India is only in October later this year).
Like an experienced opener, the Queenslander has given a perfect start to his next month's tour of India for a stint in the IPL - that by offering an olive branch to Harbhajan Singh (yes, the same spinner whom he had referred to as an "obnoxious little weed" a few weeks ago)."I want to sit down with him and see if there is any way we can move forward with our relationship because it hasn't been great. I'd like to see where he's at and see if we can patch up our differences. Frankly, everyone is sick of it," is how Hayden sums it up.
"In the end all I did was put fuel on a fire that already existed," he said. "It wasn't necessary. It was a mistake," Hayden admitted.
Mr Hayden (and you as well, Mr Harbhajan, who didn't stop bowling doosras well after the last ball was bowled in the series Down Under), if only you would've realised this earlier, we would've been to be spared of the unnecessary and unwanted drama.
But, as it is said, better late than never. Hayden and teammate Andrew Symonds know that they are in for some hostile reception from the local cricket fans after landing in India. Goody-goody statements like the one which Hayden made could help in dousing the fire.
Let's not forget that it's a game, afterall. And, a silly one that is.
Matthew Hayden is not the only International player to think that Harbajhan Singh is an obnoxious little weed.I suggest to Indian fans go and have a look at the blogs from RSA,Eng,WI...etc. He is not a popular person.He is arrogant and it shows.
ReplyDeleteI find it very funny that Indian supporters are of the belief that their teams can do no wrong. Their behaviour at the recent U19 World Championship was a disgrace.This is not my comment but from one of your own, Bishen Bedi. !
For a country that has a population of 1 billion compared to the Australians who have only 22 million, take a look at the statistics and see who have achieved the most over the last 10 - 15 years.
The Australians are no saints,but neither are the Indians.Remember India,what goes around comes around and it will not only be the Australians that are going to come after you.All the Nations are going to want to beat you.They will plan, they will practise and they will strike.
Will India have the skill,tenacity and purpose of will to win 16 Tests in a row.? Can they do it twice.?
Will India have the skill,tenacity and purpose of will to win 3 Consectutive ODI World Championships.?
Australia beat India in the 20/20 match at the MCG.Is Australia now the new 20/20 World Champions.?
Given that Indian players are now saying they are the best in the world for winning the ODI series in Australia,I would say the Aussies are the World Champions in 20/20.
Indian supporters will do well to remember that they LOST to the Aussies and to Sri Lanka in the round -robin phase of the ODI series,and they LOST the Test Series,and they LOST the 20/20 game.So claims of being the best in the world makes you wonder who is the most arrogant.