Apt tribute for David Shepherd

Apt tribute for departed ump by both teams was followed by good sportsmanship on the field

Apt tribute for David Shepherd

Apt tribute for departed ump by both teams was followed by good sportsmanship on the field

Not often do cricketers stand in line to pay tribute to a departed umpire. Saturday was indeed a rare day. Both teams alongwith their support staff observed a moment's silence to mourn the death of David Shepherd, the English umpire who passed away recently. Shepherd lost his battle with cancer in England on the day of the Hyderabad one-day international which India won by 99 runs. Shepherd was a popular umpire hence the tribute was absolutely fitting.

Relief for Manou
Australia'su00a0replacement wicketkeeper Graham Manou must be extremely grateful to skipper Ricky Ponting and vice-captain Michael Hussey. For, had it not been for their innings of 59 and 81 respectively, Manou, in all probability would have had to bat in the third ODI against India at the Feroze Shah Kotla on Saturday.

Summoned at the last minute as replacement for the injured Tim Paine, Manou had a grueling 15-hour flight from Adelaide to Delhi with a stopover in Dubai. Surely, batting and then keeping wickets would have been a tall task. But thanks to Ponting and Hussey, who ensured Australia reached 229 for 5, Manou could sit back and relax in the dressing room for a few hours. When SUNDAY MiD DAY spoke to him before the toss, he said the flight was long and tiring but was prepared. "I am confident I can slug it out during the day," said Manou, who plays first-class cricket for South Australia.

Ponting's sporting gesture
a powerful Ricky Ponting shot which hit Gautam Gambhir on his head had the Delhi man down on his knees in no time.

Ponting, who had scampered off to the non-striker's end however came running to where Gambhir was grimacing in pain.

A concerned Michael Hussey ambled in too. There's no love lost in an Australia vs India battle but a gesture like this indicated that there is some spirit left in the game.

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