Comments: 92 

Posted by henrystephen on (August 06 2009, 12:45 PM GMT)

It just goes to show that people enjoy the cricket on different levels. I don't really have a problem with the ba and other boring, drunken nationalist types enjoying themselves (the game is supposed to be for entertainment anyway), as long as I never have to socialise or work with such people!

Posted by skippyinbasel on (August 06 2009, 11:37 AM GMT)

I will freely admit that I am Australian and proud of it but its obvious to me that 95% of those posting here did not read the article and just want to abuse Ricky Ponting and Australians in general. Firstly Ponting did not complain at all he simply asked where was all the animosity come from. Secondly I have been going to international cricket matches for 40+ years and the crowds at cricket matches (especially 1 day games) all around the world these days are only out to get drunk, abuse somebody and hopefully get into a fight. This shows they have no comprehension of the game. As for the mindless few who continually refer to modern day Australians as convicts you must remember that the convicts sent to Austalia in the late 1700s and early 1800s came from Great Britian so you are only insulting your own heritage.

Posted by Hammer1 on (August 06 2009, 11:06 AM GMT)

Is it just me or does anyone find the Barmy Army deeply irritating and also very embarrassing for English cricket? Nothing wrong with having a few beers and cheers at a Test but their ridiculous songs (there's only about 3 of them) ring round the ground and are not in the least bit amusing. There is no doubt they were heavily booing Ponting at Edgbaston and it is not good for the game or the reputation of England to have these drunken fools sing their innane and noise-polluting songs at English tests.

Posted by rahulsaxena on (August 06 2009, 04:53 AM GMT)

I think Barmy Army is extremely entertaining and adds a bit of fun to game. And Aussies and Ricky Ponting of all people are being quite unreasonable by blaming the Barmy army. All players of all nationalities are always booed in Australia, no-one makes a fuss about it. So its karma. And if Ponting means what he said (I don't mind the treatment), why is a fuss being made out of this? Also, Ponting can learn something from Zaheer Khan, who was spurred on by jellybeans and won a test for India all by himself.

Posted by Jarr30 on (August 05 2009, 17:50 PM GMT)

SO WHAT!!! All the players are booed all around the world, specially in Australia they love targetting certain players like Murli, Ranatunga, S Akthar, M Artehton, Harbajan, Smith...etc.. etc. As far Ponting is concerned he is booed all around the world for his bad behavior and the way he thinks that that Australia is the only country in the world who plays in the sprit of the game...hahaha. No matter how many runs he will make he will not ever touch or be in the same class of Lara and Tendulkar.

Posted by lycidas on (August 05 2009, 17:14 PM GMT)

just been over to the barmy army site forum, they're quite riled up about being roused on by a journo or two for booing punter. they can't decide whether 1) they're not responsible or 2) it's their prerogative! One thing Ponting isn't is a wimp, he'll cop it sweet (i think we were all a bit stung that it happened at lords, and keeps happening despite him showing something a bit of grace, that's all). But some comments over on the BA site reminded me that for quite some years now, we Aussies have only been able to buy mid-strength lager (2-3%) in all Aus sporting grounds... We still manage to get pretty full, but not like the days of yesteryear - fewer fights and other, worse behaviour. Just a general observation, perhaps only tangential, but related all the same.

Posted by Sorcerer on (August 05 2009, 17:05 PM GMT)

Barmy Army's support is both exciting and refreshing for the game of cricket in England, and to cap it all, there is nothing sinister about it. What I witnessed though, much to my horror, was vituperative Indian heckling of Vaughan, Hussain and Giles etc. from Edrich Upper in the Natwest Final of 2001 which India won scoring 320-odd. Even Giles' parents, were shocked to hear of the constant abuse directed at the fielders at long leg bundary who ventured to come anywhere near the rude mass of crazed individuals. Hussain was the skipper but although he could not hear it, was the subject of many an objectionable risque slogans. It was weird to see how the English players were being booed and jeered at on their home turf - an experience which came back to stun them when they played India in the recent T20 WC. Collingwood also talked about that. So, in essence, Barmy Army has final risen to support the home team with brio and good for the game.

Posted by pathan310 on (August 05 2009, 16:30 PM GMT)

what a big deal if the crowed booed him. Ricky Ponting is always at the center stage, specially in confrontation with Umpire and other players. Its the best way to get on him mind and to put him under pressure, so if England contained ponting and Haddin/Clark then they got the Ashes. I think crowd should have the freedom and player should just focus on play more then outside.

Posted by LarryD on (August 05 2009, 15:35 PM GMT)

"We weren't responsible for the booing of Ponting" ... Puhleeez! If you are going to boo somebody, at least 'fess up to it. There's nothing wrong in booing someone. These cricketers are professionals, they do their job i.e. play their best, no matter what the crowds say. At least, that's what they are supposed to do. One can't expect cheers everytime one walks out onto the field. What's next, shower 'em with rose petals and give 'em a reach around? Bollocks!

Posted by NeilMatthews68 on (August 05 2009, 15:31 PM GMT)

There's nothing wrong with a partisan home crowd as such. But the Barmy Army's chants are tedious and, sometimes, unpleasant. I was at the Oval for the final day in 2005's Test, and the excitement came from the match situation and the play - not from inane chants, which add nothing. Glenn McGrath was fielding on the boundary for much of that day, and his restrained responses to some of the abuse were admirable. If Big_Harvey really thinks that "actively and openly abus[ing] all Australians [is] what cricket is all about", then I feel sorry for him, and I hope never to meet him or hear from him at a cricket ground. I think there is some truth in the view that Barmy Army types are there for a good day out - not necessarily for the cricket - with the large screens there so they can look at themselves in fancy dress.