Gibson terms Lorgat’s statement ‘ridiculous’

Lorgat insisted that attack on West Indies bus by Bangladeshi fans after the hosts suffered a loss, was minor.

MOHALI:

West Indies coach Ottis Gibson blasted the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat as “ridiculous” for attempting to play down the Dhaka bus stoning controversy.

Lorgat insisted that the attack on the West Indies team bus by angry Bangladeshi fans after the hosts had suffered a humiliating loss, was minor with just pebbles hurled at the vehicle. But Gibson told Lorgat that it was a serious breach of security. The fans thought they were venting their anger at their own side.

“There were stones thrown at our bus. I just want to remind Haroon Lorgat of his responsibilities. He can’t sit in a hotel room in Chennai and say they were pebbles,” said Gibson, “We as management of the team believe that was a ridiculous statement to make.”

Bangladesh were bowled out for just 58 before losing by nine wickets. The defeat severely dented their hopes of making the quarter-finals. West Indies players made it clear they were glad to be in Mohali.

“Is it ok for me to say thank god I left Bangladesh???!!!,” wrote spinner Sulieman Benn on his Twitter account.

Hussey recalled to Australian team

Australia batsman Mike Hussey received a World Cup reprieve when he was named as a replacement for injured fast-bowler Doug Bollinger.

Hussey had been named in the original squad for the World Cup before being controversially removed as selectors feared he would not recover in time from a hamstring injury. The 35-year-old’s omission had angered the batsman as he believed he would be fit to play most of the event.

“Michael has successfully recovered from hamstring surgery and is seen as someone who is capable of assisting Australia as we strive to win this tournament,” said Cricket Australia in a statement.

Fast-bowler Dirk Nannes will also travel to India to train with the Australia squad and be available in case another paceman gets injured.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2011.