‘Does the logic apply to you or just for Indians?’ – Gautam Gambhir questions double standards of sledgers following controversial calls in Ashes 2nd Test

Australia won the second test at the home of cricket and took a lead 0f 2-0 in the series. The Test witnessed a lot of controversial calls. The most talked about decision among them was Jonny Bairstow’s dismissal. England were 193/5 chasing the target of 370. It was the last ball of the over from Cameron Green. The slower bouncer from Green was well-ducked by Bairstow. The wicketkeeper Carey collected the ball after a bounce. Bairstow left the crease thinking the over was completed. Carey hit the stumps and appealed for the dismissal. The third umpire signalled it out. 

The batters in the middle, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, looked animated. Both the English batters were confused. The Australian players and the on-field umpires explained to the English batters the mode of dismissal. A dejected Bairstow walked back to the pavilion. The crowd couldn’t believe that the English batter was given out. The visibly disappointed home crowd started booing the Australian players. Some of the fans sledged the Australian players. Three of them abused the players who were on their way to the long room for the lunch break. 

Gautam Gambhir reacts to the incident

Reacting to the act of the unfriendly crowd, many former cricketers expressed their views on the incident. India’s former cricketer Gautam Gambhir took to Twitter and questioned the act of the sledgers. The former Indian cricketer tweeted “Hey sledgers… Does spirit of the game logic apply to you or is it just for Indians?” and questioned the double standards of the crowd. Many Twitter users supported the former world cup winner’s view on the incident. 

In the past, many such incidents have occurred where the English crowd had booed the players. But a certain section of fans always seems to bring ‘Spirit of the game’ in discussion and support their cricketers to hide the mistakes of the players. On the contrary, when the Indian players follow the rules of the game, the spirit of the game would be twisted and thrown at the players to be followed.