Midsummer Night's Dream

I begin by recalling what the Bard of Avon wrote about five centuries ago. Midsummer Night's Dream. A romantic comedy that portrays the adventures of a group of amateur actors, their interactions with the Duke and Duchess of Athens, and with fairies who inhabit a moonlit forest.

Cut to 2008. A summer in Australia. And the adventures of four cricketers. Ponting, Symonds, Kumble, and Bhajji. Only the bard could have scripted a tale reeking of passion, envy, hate and soliloquies. But the Bard's muse would have failed in inspiring him to come up with a twist like an amateur at plays has managed to. An amateur at plays, aye aye. Yet, a master at playing games. The ICC. And it's latest antic of putting Brad in the hog-light. Fathom this. According to a news channel, ah my favourite topic, Australian spinner Brad Hogg is now charged under Level 3 of the International Cricket Council's Code of Conduct following allegations that he verbally abused Indian skipper Anil Kumble and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Hogg is accused of making the remarks during the final day of the controversial second Test in Sydney. Incidentally, Harbhajan Singh was also reported under the same clause! Eye for an eye. Ban for a ban. Whatever happens to what WG Grace popularised? What has been touted as a Dream Series is turning out to be a shame and importantly a nightmare for the players and the game of cricket as well.

Just a passing thought. Is there a match referee for this verbal duel? No. Mr. MP won't do.