5 Heartfelt Moments in Cricket history

5 Heartfelt Moments in Cricket history: The Preamble to the Laws of Cricket states ‘Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game’. The sport has seen many heartfelt gestures and rightly so. Traditionally considered a ‘gentlemen’s game’, even this competitive age has seen cricketers give the game some of its most emotional moments ever. Here’s a look at 5 such moments which are adored and treasured by cricketing fans around the world: 1. One for-the-ages: Andrew Flintoff (right) of England consoles Brett Lee (left) of Australia after England won the 2nd Ashes Test Match by two runs at the Edgbaston cricket ground on August 7th 2005 in Birmingham, England (Photo by Tom Jenkins/Getty Images). An image from the book “In The Moment” published June 2012 One of the greatest Test matches ever played, England versus Australia at Edgbaston in the year 2005; Freddy Flintoff and Brett Lee in one of the most touching moments ever witnessed on a sporting field which has been etched in the memory of cricket fans around the world. Lee batting valiantly on 43 runs was taking Australia to a famous win from a losing position. The Aussies needed 2 runs to win and Lee was left stranded at the non-strikers end as Steve Harmison dismissed Michael Kasprowicz. Having lost the first Test at Lords this was a significant moment for the English and instead of running towards his team mates to celebrate the win Flintoff went to console Lee, this showcased the burly all-rounder’s humility and sportsmanship. “I was taught as a kid always respect the opposition first and celebrate after, which I did. I went over to Brett Lee and shook his hand and there’s that picture, where I whisper in his ear: ‘It’s 1-1, son.'” True to his words the charismatic Andrew Flintoff gave us this amazing moment to cherish with his sporting gesture! 2. One of the great upsets in the history of World Cup Cricket: (© Getty Images) The 2007 edition saw Bangladesh beat India in the West Indies. The then Indian skipper, one of the finest gentlemen cricketers ever, Rahul Dravid, invited the Bangladeshi opener Tamim Iqbal to his hotel room and praised him for his brilliant batting and presented him with a bat as a token of his appreciation. He also gave him another bat to be given to the wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim. Both the young cricketers had batted with great composure to ensure a famous win for the Bangladeshi Tigers. Dravid’s magnanimity was beautifully summed up by Rahim. “I am overwhelmed. For him to do so after India’s chances in the World Cup had taken a knock shows the spirit in which Dravid plays his cricket. We have a number of admirers for the Indian captain in our dressing room,” Rahim said. 3. An exemplary gesture: 17 Oct 1998: Mark Taylor of Australia after his record score innings in the Second Test against Pakistan in Peshawar, Pakistan. Mark Taylor scored a record number of runs. Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford /Allsport For many Australians, this gesture from Mark Taylor is the epitome of ‘Respect’ and ‘Selflessness’. The Australian cricket captain had an opportunity to beat Sir Donald Bradman’s batting record for the highest individual score by an Australian. Taylor hit an unbeaten 334 against Pakistan in the second Test at Peshawar in the year 1998 to match Bradman’s 334 against England in 1930, and then declared Australia’s innings, also giving up the chance of beating Brian Lara’s world record of 375. Taylor said: “I have equalled Sir Donald Bradman’s record and that is more than satisfying for me. The [Brian Lara] record doesn’t mean anything. I’d prefer to win this game, that’s what I’m here for.” 4. A standing ovation like none: Umpire Dickie Bird is applauded by MCC members as he walks onto the field prior to the 2nd Test match between England and India at Lord’s cricket ground, London on 20th June 1996. This was Dickie Bird’s last Test match before his retirement. The match ended in a draw. (Photo by David Munden/Popperfoto/Getty Images) Rarely does a match official, regardless of the sport he or she is a part of, receive the kind of fan following Dickie Bird received. The English cricket umpire is considered one of the most iconic characters of the game. Having officiated in matches around the world featuring some of the most temperamental cricketers to have ever played the game, Bird earned respect and admiration from fans and players alike. His ability to handle match situations combined with his great sense of humour attained a legendary status. The Lords test match in the English summer of 1994 played between England and India was to be his farewell match. Bird walked out to a standing ovation from the spectators, the members of Lords and the players who gave him a guard of honour. The image of players giving him a hug and Bird wiping his tears, unable to control his emotions are moments which are truly unforgettable and heartfelt. 5. The act that defined of the spirit of cricket: Adam Gilchrist of Australia heads back to the dressing room after being dismissed. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) There have been incidents of great sportsmanship shown by players; when they choose to walk off despite being given not out by the umpire. By captains; when they have called back a batsman who has been wrongly given out by the umpire. There is one such incident though which stands out purely on the basis of the magnitude of the match; Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist did the unthinkable in 2003 World Cup Semi Final against Sri Lanka. In the sixth over of the match, Adam Gilchrist tried to sweep Aravinda de Silva’s second ball but got an edge. The ball flew off his pads and was caught by the wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara. Umpire Rudi Koertzen of South Africa ignored the Sri Lankans’ appeals, ruling that the ball had only hit the pad before popping up. Gilchrist waited to hear the verdict and then turned and walked back to the pavilion. The act, universally hailed by one and all, serves as a classic example of the true Spirit of Cricket. “This was Gilchrist’s match, not for what he did with bat or gloves but for his decision to walk, which astonished everyone unused to such Australian magnanimity,” were the views of Wisden.

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5 Heartfelt Moments in Cricket history

3. An exemplary gesture:

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