Windies say they are playing in the right spirit
By ANISunday, December 20, 2009
_58225_M.JPG "thumb Harbhajan Singh Mona Singh at the Press Conference of Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena on Colors on 23rd September 2008 10")
PERTH - The West Indies have defended their on-field behaviour in the wake of Sulieman Benn’s suspension for a heated physical clash that marred the third Test in Perth.
Star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo said the Windies had always played in the right spirit of the game.
“On the field it showed there was nothing like that again, we just continue to play the game as it should be played, in the true spirit of it,” Bravo said.
‘That’s the way we as West Indians know how to play.
“There are times, true, that in the heat of the moment things get out of hand but we’ve got to control that and move on.”
Broad, who handed Benn a ban for two one-dayers while giving his combatants Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson vastly lighter penalties, said the giant spinner could wade into uncharted territory with similar offences.
The dust-up was reminiscent of the ugly scenes between Australia and India two years ago when Harbhajan Singh was found guilty of racially abusing Andrew Symonds, only to have the decision overturned on appeal.
Harbhajan was found guilty of a lesser level two charge, and Benn could become the first player charged under a level-three offence, which would see him front a judicial commissioner.
“No one likes to see that kind of thing appearing on television,” Broad said.
Benn will miss the Windies’ first two ODIs against Australia in early February, and is expected to return for the final three.
Broad said player behaviour had improved markedly over the years, and believed it was the younger stars unaccustomed to international cricket who were most likely to cross the line. (ANI)
