Indian eves doubly determined in the wake of throwing controversy

Cricket is played as much in the mind as in the body. The Australians, people say are the best side in the business. Perhaps this is so true only because of the fact that they play the mind games better than most. Unfortunately, it is not only in the field of tactics, planning and psychology. The Australians have always been the world leaders when it comes to sledging. Another more alarming trend is the campaign that sections of the Australian media and the think tank undertake before a major tour takes place.

In 1995-96, Sri Lanka were to tour Australia. Before the visitors had left their island, the campaign against Muthiah Muralitharan began. His action was under immense scrutiny and his confidence shattered before he could actually roll his arm over. In 1998-99, England went to Australia to battle for the Ashes. Mike Atherton was termed Glen McGrath's bunny and was forced on the back foot before the first ball was delivered. In early 1999-2000, Pakistan toured Australia. Their bowling weapon, Shoiab Akhtar was trashed even as he was warming up and raring to go. In the same tour, Brett Lee was unscathed though his action bore a great similarity to Akhtar's. Later the same year, the Indians went to Australia. At that time Sachin Tendulkar was the man targeted. The Australians apparently had discovered a gaping hole in the star batsman's technique. As it turned out, he averaged 46.00 in that series. Most recently, in a tour that is still under way, the Aussies have gone after Brian Lara. In all these instances, with the comfort of retrospection, many of the Australian prophecies indeed did come true. That their tactics might have contributed to this happening is undoubtable.

What is doubly saddening is the fact that even the women's game has not been spared. In the ongoing CricInfo Women's World Cup, India won the first three matches they played, beating even the fancied South African and England sides. They took on Australia and lost. Soon after, the Australian management complained to the tournament organisers about the legality of bowling actions of two bowlers - mediumpacer Renu Margrate and offspinner Purnima Rau. While Margrate's action has always been less than smooth, Rau's action has never been under any doubt. The experienced campaigner made her debut way back in the 1970s. She has toured both England and New Zealand before and never has she been no-balled for throwing. Rau has played World Cups before and again there was no problem. Now that India are emerging as a force to reckon with in the CricInfo Women's World Cup, doubts are being raised. Mere coincidence?

The Australian think tank will have us believe so. Speaking to CricInfo in New Zealand, the Australian team management said, "It was not even in the list of things to be discussed. They (the media) have blown it up too much. We knew of this only after watching the TV." Given Australia's history with tactics of this kind, their detractors will never be sure.

The Indian team however, is not amused in the least at the latest developments. They would dearly like to concentrate on the cricket and leave all the controversy behind. With India through to the semifinals, they will face either Australia or New Zealand. If current form is anything to go by, the probability of India playing Australia at some stage is very likely. Speaking to this correspondent from New Zealand, Sudha Shah, the cricketing manager of the team, said "We are behind our players and believe that there is nothing wrong with their actions. If anything, the allegations made against us have made us more determined. We are very keen to do well and win the CricInfo Women's World Cup. What has happen will make us work harder, focus and beat teams like Australia and New Zealand."

When it comes to grey areas like legality of bowling actions, it is always wise to tread carefully. With umpires and special committees being in charge of such situations, the media would be best served by waiting and watching. That clearly has not happened in this case. All parties involved feel that the media has blown this matter out of proportion. The sad part is, the newspapers have sold their copies, the web sites have got their hits and it is only the players and the game that suffers.