Cricket is a sport known for its complexities. The abilities required to perfect the game vary depending on whether you are batting, bowling, wicket-keeping, or fielding. Mastering these talents takes years of effort and dedication.
A few facets of the game, however, fall outside the scope of the coaching manual. They can be taught and recalled, but displaying them in a professional setting is an uncommon occurrence. Sportsmanship is one such component of the game of cricket.
Sportsmanship is not specified as a law or norm in the MCC’s guidelines. It is subjective and varies from person to person. Sportsmanship refers to ideals instilled in a cricketer since their childhood.
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Several tales of sportsmanship have been demonstrated by cricketers and teams since the game’s inception, regardless of how stressful the circumstance or how large the occasion.
On that topic, let us look at the five best examples of sportsmanship in cricket, across all formats. Please keep in mind that the list is not in any specific order.
#1 Andrew Flintoff and Brett lee(2005 Ashes)
The 2005 Ashes is widely regarded as one of the most evenly contested Test series in history. It delivered some of the most exciting finishes to games played across five exhausting days, making it one of the most enduring Ashes series in recent memory.
Despite the fierce clashes on the field, a few instances drew everyone’s attention. One such incident was England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff’s touching gesture to a grieving Brett Lee.
England defeated Australia in a nail-biter in the second Test at Edgbaston, winning by just two runs. As the home team celebrated, Flintoff raced up to Lee and consoled him, even applauding him on his fighting spirit, which nearly propelled the Aussies beyond the finish line.
#2 Kane Williamson in 2019 World Cup
When the cricketing world was still trying to process what happened in the 2019 ODI World Cup final between hosts England and New Zealand, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had already moved on. But with a heavy heart, to be sure.
New Zealand lost the World Cup final to Australia on a boundary-count rule in the super over at Lord’s. It was their second defeat in a World Cup final in a row. Captain Williamson, on the other hand, took the setback with grace. He represented a group of cricketers who had competed hard but fairly in the event.
Williamson emerged as the tournament’s unsung hero. The Kiwi captain’s gesture towards a frustrated Carlos Braithwaite following a five-wicket victory was applauded by all. New Zealand’s on-field behavior after Ben Stokes redirected a throw towards the boundary with his bat in the final was commendable.
The media focused on England’s first World Cup victory, but they also lauded the Kiwi captain’s sportsmanship.
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Also Read: Top 10 Cricketers With Pavilions On Their Names
#3 Adam Gilchrist against Sri Lanka in 2003 World Cup semi-final
Despite his aggressive hitting style, Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist has a calm demeanor off the field. An incident in the 2003 World Cup semi-final transformed the way the rest of the cricket world viewed Gilchrist.
Gilchrist attempted to sweep a full delivery from Aravinda de Silva, instead edged the ball to keeper Kumar Sangakkara. Unexpectedly, Umpire Rudi Koertzen denied their appeal. While the Sri Lankan players were lamenting the umpiring gaffe, Gilchrist took an uncommon stand.
Gilchrist began strolling towards the pavillion despite the umpire’s not-out call. He was then praised for his gentlemanly conduct on one of international cricket’s biggest stages.
#4 Virat Kohli against Australia (2019 World Cup)
Indian captain Virat Kohli maintains his focus. Every move, whether it’s his batting preparation or his captaincy decisions, is thoroughly thought out.
However, his appeal to a part of the Indian crowd witnessed booing Australia’s Steven Smith caught everyone’s attention.
Smith had served a harsh ball-tampering penalty and was now playing at the highest level of cricket after more than a year. During a 2019 World Cup match between India and Australia at the Oval, Kohli heard anti-Smith shouts from the crowd. After the over, Kohli motioned for the audience to cheer the player rather than respond to his previous faults.
The ICC recognized Kohli’s earnest efforts by awarding him the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ award.
#5 Ajinkya Rahane vs Afghanistan (2018 One-off Test)
Ajinkya Rahane shown true character and a spellbinding gesture in the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Bengaluru in 2018.
Following a dominating innings and 262-run victory in two days, the Indian captain invited the entire Afghanistan team to the trophy celebration.
The entire cricketing world praised Afghanistan’s first Test in their history. The Indian team also recognized their opponents’ efforts by sharing the frame with the so-called ‘Afghan warriors’ at the post-match felicitation ceremony.
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