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No catching pact in series

Bangalore: The pact on taking the fielder’s word on close catches is over. The unwritten code, implemented during India’s last tour of Australia, led to frayed tempers in the second Test at Sydney. Ricky Ponting’s men won by 122 runs though the Indians believed that a few catches were off bump-balls.

On Wednesday, when asked whether there was any talk on the catching-pact between the skippers, Anil Kumble said: “No. Nothing was discussed.”

Meanwhile, the wounds of Sydney continue to fester as Virender Sehwag recently said: “We would have won the Sydney Test if they had not claimed catches off half-volleys.”

Sehwag’s taunt evoked a strong reaction from Ponting in the pre-match conference. “The Australian team has moved on from the Sydney Test. Six or seven months ago is a long time in international cricket.

“It is pleasing that they are thinking about it because it means they are not focussing 100 per cent on this game. Who knows the reason behind Sehwag bringing it up? The result is there for all to see and it cannot be changed,” Ponting said.

Related development

In a related development, the ICC, through a media release, confirmed that match referee Chris Broad ‘had spoken to representatives of both teams and told them to avoid making inappropriate public comments.’

“Broad added that any such comments could result in a code of conduct charge being laid against the individual responsible. Broad made his remarks to both captains, coaches and team management during the scheduled pre-series meetings ahead of the first of four Test matches,” said the release, which also incorporated ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat’s statement.— Principal Correspondent

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