Man of the Match at final ODI (fifth) England Vs Sri Lanka on June 4
View(s):The Man of the above match should have been awarded to Sachithra Senanayake for his action of getting rid of Jos Buttler, at the conclusion of the 4th ODI. For otherwise Buttler would have booted the total runs to near 250 or 260 which would have the Sri Lankan batsmen struggle to overcome it. The action Sachithra S did before delivery of the ball, knocking off the bails and appealing for a run out when Butler was out of his crease at the non-strikers end, though legitimate it is the ugliest form of dismissal, mind you none applauded it for one gets a rotten feeling at such a feat.
Thus the spectators were deprived of some delightful batting from Butler, whose remarkable century under pressure in the 4th ODI was the best batting display of the series which helped England fall short of seven runs of Sri Lankan’s imposing total of 300.
The above incident brings back memories of the test match Pakistan Vs West Indies played some years ago in Pakistan.
West Indian Courtney Walsh was give the final over and Pakistan were nine wickets down with one or two runs away from victory. Just before delivery of the ball the Pakistan batsmen was yard out of the crease trying to steal the winning runs. Courtney Walsh noting this he stopped at the wicket without knocking off the bails and motioned the batsmen to get back to his crease. In the ensuring deliveries Pakistan made the winning runs.
At the presentation after the normal awards were given, a special announcement was made. It was followed by the Pakistan Cricket Manager presenting a beautiful hand woven rug to Courtney Walsh for the great sportsmanship he displayed. The applause that followed was greater than the one Pakistan got for their victory.
Ben Ananda
Hendala