Some 'Sober'ing words for Gavaskar

Sydney, Mar 21 (UNI) West Indian great Sir Garfield Sobers took a veiled swipe at Sunil Gavaskar, saying the tough Australians had always played cricket like the Windies and had no reason to apologise for its on-field behaviour.

Sobers came to the rescue of the Aussies, saying ''I always enjoyed playing in Australia because the Australians are a team that tried to play the game attractive, tried to win -- not at all costs -- but tried to win.

''That is great attitude to have. You learn when you play Australia, there is a toughness about the Australians.'' He also found similarity between the way the Windies and the Aussies play the game, adding ''Australia has always played cricket like the West Indians.'' The little master linked the death of former Aussie cricketer David Hookes, who sustained fatal injuries after a fight outside a pub in 2004, to the behaviour of Australian teams.

Many Australians, including present and former players were enraged when Gavaskar declared their conduct was unacceptable, saying if they acted the way they did on the field in a bar after play, they would probably be bashed.

Sobers said the pressures of the modern game also meant a more hardened attitude was required.

''Today is different. Today there is a lot of money involved in the game,'' he was quoted as saying by 'The Herald Sun'.

''One could understand the different approach these days because there is a lot of responsibility.

''People expect so much more these days than they did then,'' the West Indian legend said.

However, Gavaskar on his part admitted yesterday that his comments on Hookes were ''uncalled for and inappropriate'' but he did not back away from his claim the Australian team would be more admired if it curbed its behaviour in matches.

''On live television and radio, sometimes you respond on the spur of the moment with a remark that can cause hurt and pain to others,'' Gavaskar had said.

UNI