Adam Gilchrist’s squash-ball-in-glove issue may have kicked up a row in Sri Lanka but MCC, guardian of cricket’s rule, has given a clean chit to the swashbuckling Australian wicketkeeper-batsman.
After belting a match-winning 149-run knock in the final against Sri Lanka, Gilchrist revealed that he had placed a squash ball in his batting glove for a better grip and the ploy paid off.
More than a week after the final, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) secretary Kangadaran Mathivanan lashed out at Gilchrist, claiming the ploy was as unethical as Trevor Chappell’s under-arm delivery and even threatened to take up the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Mathivanan said
We are of the opinion that it was unethical for Gilchrist to use a squash ball to give unfair advantage. I am not trying to say it is illegal. All I am saying is that the game should be played in a better spirit.
We want to enlighten all the members of the ICC about our views and we don’t approve such acts. That is the purpose of wanting to discuss it at the ICC.
MCC, however, feels otherwise.
In a statement, the MCC said I
n this case, apparently the addendum to the inside of the batting gloves was not for protection from injury, but to improve the way the batsman gripped the bat handle.
This should not be considered unfair. Similarly, it has never been considered unfair for batsmen to use two grips on the bat handle.
Cricket Australia too defended Gilchrist saying the player was a “highly principled” person and people should not unnecessarily fuss over a non-issue.
Photo: BBC
