The Gentleman’s game: Top Spirit of Cricket moments from 2020
Cricket is a sport renowned for its competitiveness, records and awards. Meanwhile, there is another aspect to the game as well and that is the sportsmanship. In the past twelve months of 2020, the audience witnessed a lot of cricketers showing their humanity and tending to their opposition players. Here’s a look at top five ‘Spirit of Cricket’ moments in 2020
New Zealand U19 players carry West Indies’ injured batsman off the field
An outstanding show of sportsmanship earlier today in the game between West Indies and New Zealand ? #U19CWC | #SpiritOfCricket | #FutureStars pic.twitter.com/UAl1G37pKj
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 29, 2020
The New Zealand players are widely known for their sportsmanship. The U19 NZ team presented an outstanding show of spirit of cricket during the quarterfinal of the U19 World Cup 2020. The West Indies batsman Kirk McKenzie had walked back to the field towards the end of the game despite getting retired-hurt earlier to carry the game forward. However, after the first innings, he was finding it difficult to walk off the field due to cramps. This is when New Zealand players Jesse Tashkoff and Joseph Field lifted Kirk and helped him reach his team’s dug-out.
David Warner ties Hardik Pandya’s shoelaces
David Warner had won hearts during the first One-day International of the three-match ODI series against India at Sydney Cricket Ground. India was chasing a mammoth target of 374 posted by Australia when during the 32nd over, on-strike batsman Hardik Pandya started having some trouble with his shoelaces. Seeing this, Warner walked up to help him and tied his shoelaces. This was followed by Hardik extending his arm for a fist bump to Warner as a gesture of gratitude.
MS Dhoni helps out Prithvi Shaw with an eye issue
In the game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) during IPL 2020, MS Dhoni presented a perfect example of Spirit of Cricket as he helped out Prithvi Shaw with an eye issue while the latter was batting. Shaw was having some trouble in his eyes and this is when Dhoni stepped up to tend him before the physiotherapist Patrick Farhat came on the field. The incident was beautifully captured in the cameras as Dhoni was widely hailed for reaching out to his opponent batsman.
Mohammed Siraj runs to look after Cameron Green after being hit on the head
How is this for sportsmanship? Green cops one in the face, Siraj goes straight to check on him. ???? #AUSAvIND #AUSAvINDA pic.twitter.com/ivPYyFF4qa
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) December 11, 2020
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj had shown a remarkable gesture of sportsmanship during the second practice game between India A and Australia A at SCG. While bowling, Cameron Green was trying to catch a straight drive from the bat of Jasprit Bumrah when the ball slipped from his hands and hit him on his head. Seeing this episode, Siraj who was at the non-striker end quickly reached out to check Green after throwing his bat and denying a single to Bumrah.
Kane Williamson hugs Kemar Roach
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is known for his humbleness. Williamson had once again won over the cricket fans by his classy gesture for West Indies pacer Kemar Roach. Roach was preparing to feature in the first Test game against New Zealand when he got the news of his father, Andrew Smith, passing away. To give his condolences to the pacer, before the beginning of the game, Williamson personally walked up to Roach and embraced him in a soothing hug.
