I was privileged to witness an outstanding innings by Avinash, thanks to Lions game in the afternoon. Unfortunately, the match was marred by a fiasco over a run-out decision which led to United giving a walk over.
United were playing MCC in the morning. By the time, I walked into the ground around 1pm, United was sitting pretty having scored 148 in their innings, thanks to good scores from Arvind Sunder-rajan, Sashi, Roshan and Amandeep. MCC still needed another 70 runs with 5 wickets in hand with an asking rate of 12 or so. Although 12 RPO is not a tall order in the last few overs, to keep that rate for more than six overs is a tall order since the chasing team not only has to score at a good clip but also keep wickets. More often than not, batsman go for hara-kiri and end up losing.
But the good news for MCC was that they had Avinash at the crease. What a treat he provided. He is one batsman who not only has immense power but also grace. Complexion of the game changed totally in one fateful over, delivered by poor Aman. Avinsha creamed three enormous sixers in that one over, with two lofted delightful shots over long off and an extra-ordinary inside out six over cover. Simply outstanding and a great treat to watch. He continued on his merry way as two more wickets tumbled at the other end. It was very creditable that he kept his composure, not going for the lofted shots when the bowler bowled from the capital drive with the wind with him. It would have been foolhardy to hit against the wind since all it takes was his wicket to seal the game for United. Overall Avinash hit five sixers and two boundaries in his 72 off just 42 balls.
The climax happened in the last over, which was bowled by Ali. I think MCC needed 12 runs at the start of the over. It was good that bowler was bowling with the wind and infact for one of the balls, the bowler waited for the wind to pick up before delivering the ball. Very interesting to see such intelligent ploy being used in our league. But Avinash kept the scoring alive with a nice cover boundary. A wide here and there and it was left to MCC needing 4 runs to win off 4 balls. That is when the fiasco happened. Avinash hit a ball powerfully to wide mid-wicket and to keep the strike, scampered back for a second run. But to the excitement and joy of the United team, the fielder effected a direct throw at the strikers end. It is a tendency of the fielding team, more or less, to be convinced that it is a run-out whenever there is a direct hit. Since the game is winding to such a close, it was no surprise that in one union motion, United appealed for the run-out to the leg-umpire. From the initial reaction of United players and in fact Sashi, it appeared as though they were 100% certain that they will get the verdict and were all ready to celebrate with a glimmer of hope since if it had been run out, MCC would have needed 3 runs in 3 balls with new batsman in. But to the shock and disappointment of United, leg umpire was unmoved and everything broke lose then on.
United players were visibly upset and started shouting that this is not he way to win and Sashi was totally plussed and started walking out of the ground. I was thinking that Lakshmi will keep this team in and play out the game since MCC needed only 2 off 3 balls. To be fair, Avinash had played such a fabulous innings and deserved to hit the winning run independent of this controversy.
Sashi belongs to the old school of cricket where like myself, feels that if someone walks into the ground as an umpire, he should be an epitome of truth and should remain unbiased. That is the value he brings into the game and he is one of the players I won't be surprised to see walk out if he is LBW. It is for everyone to see his passion, pride and above all the integrity with which he plays this gentlemen game.
I also feel the same way. One should walk into umpire as though one is officiating a school game played by his children. I am sure that none of us will make a biased decision if we are officiating for our kids game since we have to teach the value of integrity at all costs to our kids. Right? That's exactly how we would like to see every umpire in our league, unbiased
Coming to this umpiring itself, since I was standing almost right in line with the striker's end, I felt that the batsman was in. If I were the umpire, I would have decided in favor of the batsman since it was not as though the batsman was a yard or two when the stumps were uprooted. It was close and we don't have the third umpire technology and hence it was the right decision. Avinash also indicated to that effect that he was also convinced that he was in.
I was subsequently told that there was another controversial run-out at the start of the innings which precipitated into this unfortunate event. It was very sad to hear a walk-over in our league. I understand how Sashi and the rest of the United players felt. But at any rate, common sense should have prevailed and United should have finished the game. Avinash deserved this after playing such a brilliant knock.
Although I witnessed only a fag end of a brilliant game, was so happy and fortunate to witness yet another brilliant batsman-ship (after the flamboyance of Arvind Manjagowda in the last two games).
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| United players, chilling after the game |
Nobody can fault Sashi who epitomizes sportsmanship and integrity like many of us do in our league. Although it is not a every day happening to have a walk over, I request the captains to ensure that the games are played to completion even if such controversies arise since we all owe it to this game. For good or worse, we have to keep the legacy and spirit of cricket alive and such incidents leave an ugly trail for future games between the affected teams.
Congrats MCC and in particular Avinash for that brilliant knock. In the same token, appreciate United for that tenacity and perseverance as they have clawed back into contention for the play offs.
Go Regal
