Gayle forgives and forgets Watson outburst
Cricinfo
25-Feb-2013
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Chris Gayle, writing in his Daily Telegraph column, gives Shane Watson the benefit of the doubt after the allrounder screamed in celebration after dismissing Gayle in Perth.
Watson didn't actually say anything to me ... he just kept screaming in my direction. He has a bit of a temper and is pretty emotional so he was probably just letting it all out. Each player is different and getting me out came at a crucial time in an important Test match. There is no doubt he over-reacted but I am prepared to move on and let bygones be bygones.
Greg Baum in the Age says that fining Watson only 15% of his match fee is scant punishment for such a blatant breach of the Code of Conduct.
The sanction against Watson was pitiful. A cricketer's chief income is his base payment. The match fee is the icing on the cake. Fifteen per cent is a few specks of icing sugar. It is open to Cricket Australia to apply its own punishment and essential that it does. Otherwise, its code is merely a piece of paper.
In the Sydney Morning Herald John Buchanan, the former coach, suggests the team take another look at their spirit of cricket pledge. ''It was a foundation document so the current group may wish to move it in a direction that is more appropriate to themselves,” he said.