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Walk on, walk on

By Will 4 years ago, at the end of November Leave a comment on this post

Gilchrist The Walker. I can think of other phrases opposition bowlers might call him, and his “crusade” of being one of the only walkers in world cricket continues. Heated debate in the First Test, but it’s blown out of all proportion.

The stump microphones caught the moment when McMillan turned to Gilchrist - who accepted the decision with a wry grin - and told him that “not everyone is walking Gilly … not everyone has to walk, mate.” The exchange continued and Bucknor ambled down the pitch to ensure that it didn’t get out of hand. McMillan was lbw to the next ball.

So, McMillan doesn’t want to walk. Gilchrist does. Where’s the problem? Ah, I’ve forgotten that Gilchrist happens to be behind the stumps. Surely he wouldn’t be saying nasty things to the batsmen?

Stephen Fleming then waded in to the debate by accusing Gilchrist, who has a reputation as being a genuine walker, of trying to pressurise opponents. “When you’ve got one or two players on a crusade, it places pressure on people in terms of whether they choose to walk or not,” he told reporters. “We all like to see the game played in the best spirit but if some individuals choose not to, which is their right, then so be it. We have to respect that. Whether you’re placing pressure on players for walking or not walking, it’s the same scenario. You do have to be very careful.”

Children, children. I think the following excerpt from Nancy’s Sinatra’s “These boots were made for walkin’” is rather apt:

You keep playing where you shouldn’t be playing
And you keep thinking that you’ll never get burnt (HAH)
Well, I’ve just found me a brand new box of matches (YEAH)
And what he knows you ain’t had time to learn
These boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do
One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you

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2 Responses to “Walk on, walk on”

  • Gaurav wrote:
    November 23rd, 2004 at 2.45 pm

    Well it is all about ahndling presure so what is the reason to complain about putting extra pressure ??
    If Gilchrist had asked McMillan to go home play with his Mom, McMillan would have probably laughed out such banter; so what is the reason to make such a big deal about asking him to walk ??

  • Will wrote:
    November 23rd, 2004 at 5.10 pm

    I agree, Gaurav. I think the point is that McMillan doesn’t *want* to walk, and doesn’t want to feel pressured into doing so by one person. I’m not agreeing with it, just putting it into perspective.


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