Sport - Cricket

I was only complimenting Ishant: Symonds

Melbourne: Andrew Symonds has claimed that he was only complimenting Ishant Sharma on his fine bowling when the Delhi bowler misinterpreted his words and showed him a “send-off finger” during the tri-series match in Sydney.

Symonds has told his teammates that he uttered “Well bowled, champ” to Ishant before the 19-year-old mouthed off and pointed towards the pavilion, apparently misinterpreting the “compliment.” It was then that Symonds fired back, a report in The Age claimed.

Speaking about the incident, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said Ishant was provoked by the Australian all-rounder. “He only reacted to what Symonds said to him,” Dhoni said.

Dhoni said that some of the younger players needed to learn how to properly respond to any taunts. “If you’re getting provoked, there are ways in which you can reply so you have to be careful about it,” he said.

“We have youngsters in the side who will learn this art. I think it’s an art. You have to be good at it,” he added.

Dhoni said India also liked to play the game hard and that there was little room for friendship.

“Cricket can never be friendly,” Dhoni said. “There will always be aggression on the field but as long as it’s balanced and nobody crosses the line, then it’s fair enough.” — Agencies

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