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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Rabada returns home from IPL due to personal reasons
New Delhi, Ape 3 (PTI): South African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned home from the IPL due to personal reasons, his franchise Gujarat Titans announced on Thursday.
The Titans, though, have not specified the duration of Rabada’s absence from the IPL 2025, where he has played two matches.
“Kagiso Rabada has returned to South Africa to deal with an important personal matter,” the Gujarat outfit said in a statement.
Rabada appeared against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, grabbing 1 for 41 and 1 for 42 respectively in those matches.
The 29-year-old was not picked for Gujarat Titans’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.
Arshad Khan was drafted into the eleven in place of Rabada, and the left-arm pacer picked up the key wicket of Virat Kohli early in the innings.
In the absence of Rabada, GT could be relying on his South African teammate Gerald Coetzee or Afghanistan all-rounder Karim Janat.
