Published: Feb 08, 2016, 05:07 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 09, 2016, 03:36 PM (IST)
Matthew Wade seems to be taking his position as a replacement for Brad Haddin a bit too seriously. Not just with his batting and wicketkeeping skills, but Wade seem to be making some noise with his tongue as well. Australia might have dominated cricket for a long time but they are not the most respected side for their tactics of ‘mental disintegration’ which the world calls ‘sledging.’
During the third and last ODI of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy 2016 between New Zealand and Australia at Seddon Park, Hamilton, another incident of ugly sledging was witnessed. Mitchell Marsh in the 34th over was ruled out in a controversial manner when the all-rounder was ruled out after umpire saw the replays on giant screen. Marsh was furious over this decision and showed his anger while walking back. Cameras even caught him using the F word to the most respected Brendon McCullum.
In the following over, Wade and Grant Elliott got engaged in a heated sledging as the Australian wicketkeeper-batsman said, “only a f—ing coward sledges people when they walk off”, while standing at the non-strikers end. In reply, Elliott came back very generously and said, “love your work”. All this was heard in the stump microphone and ended before umpire Gould had to intervene.
Less than a year back, Wade’s predecessor Haddin received a lot of flak for sledging Elliott after the latter’s dismissal in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final. Haddin had reasons for his sledging. He felt that Kiwis were too nice. Wow. Coming to present, it is still not clear why Wade used such words because it is unknown whether Elliott sledged Marsh or not while he was walking off.
At least, Australians should refrain themselves from giving lessons on not to sledge.
