Rohit tells Aussies not to cross the line

Tribune news service

Sydney, March 25

In an India versus Australia game, you could be sure of two things — a keen contest and players trading verbal volleys for that extra edge. And if it happens to be a knockout game of the World Cup, words are bound to fly thicker and quicker.

Rohit Sharma, as one would expect, is okay with that; his only concern is that the Australians shouldn't cross the line. “It's part of the game, I guess. I just hope they don't cross the line. We all know as professional cricketers there are boundaries which we don't need to cross. As long as it's within those boundaries, we're fine with it,” said Rohit, on the eve of the high-voltage clash.

Come to think of it, Rohit's fears aren't without basis. There have been several instances in the Test series Down and the Tri-series where the Indians and Australians were involved in repeated on-field confrontations. Sharma was himself involved in an altercation with left-handed batsman David Warner. “It's good. We have noticed this throughout the series when we played the Test matches against Australia. No team backed down. Both the teams were right in each other's face,” he said.

Asked whether Australia had an edge over India following their domination in the summer gone by, the Indian opener said it's all in the past. What's more important and relevant, he said, is how they playing in the World Cup. “I don't think it matters because we're playing some different cricket now. So, what has happened has happened, we have left it right there,” he said.

The Australian skipper, Michael Clarke, too didn't seem to back off on the use of 'sledging'. “There is going to be sledging, there is going to be banter,” he said.