DUBAI // Adam Gilchrist reckons there will be no lingering animosity between England and Australia following Ben Stokes’s controversial dismissal for obstructing the field on Saturday.
In the second one-day international, the England all-rounder was given out by the third umpire after blocking a throw from Mitchell Starc, who was attempting to run him out.
The incident prompted a furious reaction from England. Eoin Morgan, their captain, suggested the decision “would have been different if we were fielding”, while Steve Smith, his opposite number, said it was “blatantly out”.
Gilchrist, the former Australia wicketkeeper who was famed for his sportsmanship at the crease, reckoned the dismissal was “technically out”.
“Is the incident a breakdown in relationships between English and Australian cricket? I think not,” Gilchrist said, talking at the University of Wollongong Dubai.
“It is just part of the unique and respected history [between the two sides] now. Just get on with it.
“I’ve seen one replay of it. Technically I suppose it is out, but is that always the right aspect?
“They are two young teams, starting to posture and try to find their place in the world, particularly Steve Smith who just inherited the captaincy.
“Morgan is trying to lead this revolution and regeneration of English one-day cricket, and be very positive and forthright. There is a difference of opinion and you can understand both sides.”
Gilchrist suggested only Stokes himself was in a position to comment on the incident.
“Stokes is an aggressive, abrasive player,” Gilchrist said. “There is a lot of emotion involved in the moment.
“I don’t know whether the Aussies, at a later moment, will have sat down and thought it didn’t look good.
“It is up to the individuals at the time. The only guy in the world who knows whether he meant to do it or not is Stokes himself.
“I have seen a lot of comment from a lot of other players, but nothing from him. See what he thinks.”
Stokes took to Twitter to say he was bound not to comment on the matter, for fear of punishment by the game’s authorities.
“People sharing there [sic] opinion about yesterday, including some Australian players,” Stokes wrote. “I want to share mine but I don’t want to get fined.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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