The Australian cricket team, led by Ricky Ponting, was a force to be reckoned with during the early 2000s, earning the moniker “Invincibles.” They claimed World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007, firmly establishing their cricketing prowess.
Australia’s reputation for aggressive play, led by figures like Ponting and Matthew Hayden, involved the use of “sledging” as a psychological tool against opponents. While effective, it occasionally led to incidents that crossed the line.
The 2006 Champions Trophy incident
In 2006, Australia secured their first Champions Trophy title by defeating West Indies in Mumbai. However, the trophy celebration witnessed a controversial moment when Ponting gestured for the then BCCI President Sharad Pawar to expedite the trophy presentation. Damien Martyn‘s subsequent push of Pawar off the stage added fuel to the fire.
The incident sparked controversy, with many labeling the Australian team as arrogant. Dilip Vengsarkar, India’s chief cricket selector at the time, criticized the actions of Australian players.
Damien Martyn shares a funny story
Seventeen years after the incident, Martyn has shared a lighthearted anecdote regarding the aftermath of his actions. During a conversation on Club Prairie Fire featuring former cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan, Martyn revealed how Indian fans reacted to his behaviour.
Martyn recalled the push, describing it as a simple nudge meant to prompt Pawar to leave the stage. However, the situation quickly escalated, leading to phone calls and official correspondence.
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“I don’t know what what happened there I mean like I just pushed him a little bit like it’s the nudge you know he’s in front of our in front of our photo wasn’t he? I mean he made the big speech and didn’t want to leave the stage. Bradley Hogg asked nicely Ponting didn’t say anything so I just sort of gave him a nice little like you know Aussie sledge like nudge thinking nothing of it but obviously you know then it turned into a nightmare get back in the change rooms. And the manager Steve Berard I think wasn’t it then walks up and go here’s the phone talk to Ste talk to James Suon the CEO of creed Australia I said jeez that moved quick didn’t it that escalated and then I had to write a letter as well,” recalled Martyn.
Indian fans’ outrage and a donkey named Damien Martyn
Martyn revealed the humorous response from Indian fans, who took to the streets burning flags with his name on them. He even shared an unusual anecdote involving a donkey bearing his name.
“The next day they (Indian fans) were burning flags of me in the street and there was a donkey you might find it the Google there’s a donkey with my name on it with a mob around it so I’m not sure that donkey survived that day, that was a highlight of one of my careers like someone put my name on a donkey,” added Martyn.
