G Rajaraman, who asked Ponting some uncomfortable questions in the press conference, writes his version of the story. Read here.
Meanwhile, Prem Panicker, writing in his Rediff blog, believes Anil Kumble should never have agreed to the deal with Ricky Ponting.
What actually happened, though, was farcical—Benson checked with Ricky Ponting, who put up his finger, assuring the umpire that he was sure the catch was clean.How could he give such an assurance? He was in no position to see it, so all he had to go by was the word of Michael Clarke—who could not be sure, either. Besides, Clarke, whose honesty was supposed to decide the fate of a batsman at a critical time, is the same bloke who cut fiercely at a delivery, was caught off the under edge at slip, and stood there hoping the umpires would screw up. You can’t fault him for his hope—the umpires in this game have given enough reason for that. Point though is, Clarke has not exactly been a shining beacon of honesty—and yet Benson took his word, relayed by Ponting, and totally ignored two options that were available, even mandatory.
Ravi Shastri, former India player, says its time to incorporate referrals in cricket.
" ... The other option of players using their conscience to help the umpires is unrealistic. It’s not a case of somebody sitting in the air conditioner summoning his conscience to come out clean. When you are in the heat of battle, with the sun blazing down and five days of your labour coming to nothing, it’s the win you want at all cost.
And then what happens if somebody does play the god and other team accept it with glee? I do believe that referrals should be brought into play quite immediately. Atleast two per innings for each side. "
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