5 most memorable 'revenge' moments in cricket history
From a batter unleashing an assault against the opposition to a bowler tormenting a team after being irked by something, the gentlemen's game has had its fare share of revenge moments.
2. Sourav Ganguly vs England
Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly was known for his aggressive mindset during his captaincy days. The legendary batsman never shied away from picking a battle and came out on top on most of the occasions. And England realised it during the NatWest series in 2002.
Few months before the epic Natwest series final at Lord's, former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff had enraged Ganguly and the whole Indian cricket fraternity by taking his shirt off and waving it after helping his team to a series-levelling ODI win at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Ganguly did not let Flintoff and England get away with that gesture as he picked the perfect venue and match for his revenge.
After India successfully chased down a record total of 325 at the iconic Lord's, Ganguly left the cricketing world shellshocked by taking his shirt off and waving it aggressively in the balcony. The image of the celebration has become immortal and many believe that it was the defining moment that changed Indian cricket's attitude.
Ganguly was not done yet. He rubbed more salt on England's wounds by giving a bold interview. After the game ended, Geoffrey Boycott had asked Ganguly about the incident. Calling the former India batsman a naughty boy, Boycott said: "You must mention your experience about taking your jersey off and flying it in the air at the Mecca of Cricket: Lord’s! Ohhh, you naughty boy!"
In reply, Ganguly said: "One of your boys also took off his jersey here in Mumbai." Boycott was not satisfied with the explanation and further asked: "Yeah, but Lord’s is the Mecca of Cricket." Ganguly then gave the former England batsman a fitting reply, telling him: "Lord’s is your Mecca, and Wankhede is ours!"
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