'Australia would have been vilified if they celebrated like Kohli'
Australian cricket team coach Justin Langer has questioned the double-standard in cricket when it comes to sledging. He said this after seeing aggressive celebrations from Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli in the ongoing first Test in Adelaide. Kohli was seen pumped up every time India got an Aussie wicket. And Langer praised Kohli's celebrations, but questioned the thoughts regarding his side.
Seeing Kohli's passion, Langer questions the situation surrounding his side
Speaking to Fox Cricket, the Aussie coach said, "You love seeing that passion in sport, don't you? Mind you, I think if we did that at the moment we'd be the worst blokes in the world, but it's a fine line isn't it? That's the truth of it." Langer said this in relation to the entire scrutiny and pressure his side has received.
Kohli was pumped up since Finch's dismissal on Day 2
The 30-year-old Kohli was seen celebrating the dismissal of Aaron Finch in a typical animated fashion. Finch was dismissed for a duck in the first over on Day 2. Ishant Sharma knocked his stumps. From there on, Kohli's intensity hardly took a dip.
VVS Laxman slams Langer
Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman slammed Langer. Speaking in a chat show on ESPNcricinfo, he said, "I feel they got it wrong - the Australian coach and the Australian team. When you are playing for your country, you have to play with pride and passion. You are not there to impress the spectators or trying to be the good boys."
Ball-tampering scandal robs Australia's aggression
Australia are known for their aggressive brand of cricket and sledging was something that occurred naturally to them over decades. But since the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa earlier this year, the Aussies were criticized for their win-at-all-costs attitude. The incident had seen former skipper Steve Smith being handed a 12-month ban alongside David Warner. Cameron Bancroft had been handed 9-month ban as well.
Clarke had suggested that Aussies should play tough cricket
Recently, former Australia skipper Michael Clarke had said that the Aussies need to stop worrying about being liked. They should rather focus on playing tough cricket and earn the respect, added Clarke. "Australian cricket, I think, needs to stop worrying about being liked and start worrying about being respected. Play tough Australian cricket. Whether we like it or not, that's in our blood."
Aussie coach Langer had vowed to put smiles back
Aussie coach Justin Langer, who had replaced Darren Lehmann, came in and vowed to change the win-at-all-costs culture that defined Australia. He said the same, earlier this month, ahead of the series against Proteas. "What we can do is we can prepare well, we can play good cricket, and be entertaining and put on a good show so Australians can start smiling a bit."
