Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar are two absolute legends of the game and have been a source of inspiration for millions across the globe. The two batting stalwarts are the glittering stars of their respective nations, and have rewritten batting records. Even after retirement, the two batting geniuses are much loved and their fans simply go gaga after getting a sight of them. The two now work together for the management team of the reigning IPL Champions, Mumbai Indians.
But that is where the similarity between the two ends! While Tendulkar was a shy and humble cricketer, who played the game like a gentleman, Ponting was the extreme opposite. Being an Aussie, aggression ran in Ponting’s blood, but at times, the Australian skipper got over the top and couldn’t control his aggression. On occasions, Ponting was utterly shrewd and outspoken and even got unethical. There have been instances in the past where Ponting has had a scuffle with the umpires as well.
One such instance, when Ponting got into a scuffle with Tendulkar, and the on field umpire was during the DLF Cup in Malaysia in 2006. Batting first, the Australians could only manage a below par total of 213 in the 48 overs. However, it was expected to be a close game, as barring Tendulkar, the entire Indian batting unit had failed previously in the series.
On the 8th ball of the Indian innings, Glenn McGrath bowled a good length ball at 126.8km/hr to Tendulkar. The ball hit Tendulkar on the back of his shoulder and went to the wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. The Aussie slip cordon and the bowler went for the appeal, and umpire Mark Benson declared Tendulkar out. The Indian opener stood for a while, shell shocked, before reluctantly walking back while shaking his head.
However, within seconds, the umpires decided to call Sachin back, who had just walked a few yards from the pitch. Tendulkar was given a lifeline as umpire Benson understood his blunder. This simply enraged Ricky Ponting, who marched towards Benson in scathing rage. Ponting yelled at the umpire for calling Sachin back but to no avail. Ponting eventually was calmed down by his teammates. The Australian skipper also had a word with Sachin, who responded with a gentle smile.
The Australians eventually won the game by 18 runs, but the Tendulkar- Benson- Ponting episode would always be etched in the memories of cricket fans.
Below is the video of the incident: