Thaindian News

Chennai, Mar 21(ANI): Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and Australian captain Ricky Ponting’s contrasting World Cup dismissals have re-ignited the debate around walking, an issue that gained prominence in the 2003 World Cup semi-final when Adam Gilchrist walked back to the pavilion despite an appeal against him getting no response from the umpire.

Tendulkar had edged a delivery behind in the first over of Sunday’s match against West Indies in Chennai, he immediately turned and walked to the pavilion.

This was despite umpire Steve Davis giving the 36-year-old not out.

Replays of the incident were inconclusive, which suggests that Davis’s initial decision may not have been overturned had Tendulkar stayed at the crease.

Tendulkar’s decision to walk was in complete contrast to the actions of Ponting against Pakistan in Colombo.

Ponting admitted after the match that he had edged the ball, but said that he stayed at the crease because he has never been a walker.

“There were no doubts about the nick - I knew I hit it. But as always, I wait for the umpire to give me out. That’s the way I’ve always played the game,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting, as saying.

West Indies captain Darren Sammy praised Tendulkar’s sportsmanship, while Ponting’s actions were criticised by Pakistan coach Waqar Younis.

“That was just brilliant on his part. It shows the measure of a man. He’s a true gentleman,” Sammy said.

Waqar said: “There is a system there now in play so you can’t get away with it. It’s nice to see people walking, but that doesn’t happen now I guess.” (ANI)