I don't care how its perceived, we've seen Ricky Ponting, others do same to us: Ollie Robinson
He was responding to questions about him abusing Usman Khawaja on-field
English cricketer Ollie Robinson has defended his controversial send-off towards Australian batsman Usman Khawaja during the Ashes series, stating that he "doesn't care" how Australia perceives his actions and that he aims to provide the "theatre of the game."
Robinson dismissed Khawaja for 141 runs on the third morning at Edgbaston, uprooting his off stump as Khawaja attempted to play a shot through the off side. In his celebration, Robinson shouted towards Khawaja and appeared to use offensive language.
Speaking about the incident, Robinson expressed his excitement in claiming such a significant wicket, especially in his first home Ashes series. He acknowledged Khawaja's impressive innings and emphasized the importance of the wicket for the team. Robinson stated, "We all want that theatre of the game, don't we? So I'm here to provide it."
When questioned about whether abusing an opponent could be considered part of the game's theatre, Robinson referred to the passion of the Ashes and mentioned instances where Australian players have behaved similarly towards English teams in the past. He admitted that such actions are not justified, but suggested they happen in the heat of the moment.
"But I think when you're in the heat of the moment and you have the passion of the Ashes, that can happen. We've all seen Ricky Ponting, other Aussies do the same to us. Just because the shoe is on the other foot, it's not received well," he said.
Furthermore, when asked about the potential reception of his celebration by the Australian dressing room, Robinson expressed indifference, stating, "I don't really care how it's perceived, to be honest. It's the Ashes. It's professional sport. If you can't handle that, what can you handle?"
Robinson is expected to face disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct. He is likely to receive a fine and a demerit point for his actions, as per ICC regulations that prohibit players from using language or gestures that disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batsman.
Despite the controversy surrounding his behavior, Robinson remains unapologetic and stands by his intention to contribute to the excitement and intensity of the Ashes series.
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'Strong evidence' available against Saif attacker, police tell court while opposing his bail plea
Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI): Police have opposed the bail plea of the Bangladeshi national arrested for allegedly stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan with a knife and injuring him at his home here in January this year, telling a Mumbai court there was "strong evidence" against the accused.
Citing a Forensic Science Laboratory report, police reiterated before the sessions court their earlier claim knife fragments that got lodged near the actor's spine during the attack as well as a part found at the crime spot have matched with the weapon recovered from the accused, Shariful Islam.
These three pieces were part of the same weapon (knife) used to attack the filmstar, the police said in a written response to the accused's plea submitted in the court on Thursday (July 24).
Khan was repeatedly stabbed with a knife by an intruder inside his 12th floor apartment in upscale Bandra on January 16 during a robbery attempt.
The 54-year-old actor underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital to remove a piece of knife that got lodged near his spine during the attack. He was discharged from the private hospital after five days.
Shariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was arrested two days later for allegedly stabbing Khan.
The police, in their response, highlighted that the accused is a Bangladeshi citizen residing illegally in India.
If granted bail, there was a possibility that he may flee India and not appear before the court during the trial. The crime committed by the accused is of a "very serious nature, and strong evidence" is available against him, they argued.
In his bail plea, filed through advocate Vipul Dushing, the accused asserted he was innocent and had no prior criminal record.
Investigation into the case has practically concluded with only the filing of a chargesheet pending, the accused contended while seeking bail.
The alleged attacker has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections related to house trespass, robbery and dacoity with attempt to cause death or grievous injury.
