India's aggression- is it newfound?

The Aussie's are making a mistake if they conclude that the aggressive cricket played by India during the series were put on.

 

This challenge from Ponting and a rather tame assessment by Tim Nielson makes one wonder whether the Australians are living in a cocoon.Times have changed, The current Indian may be beaten but they will not be cowed.

 

Consider these common assumptions:

 

1. Sledging is not new to cricket in India. To get a first hand experience just play in one of the 'Floodlight tournaments' in Chennai.You can hear the choicest words and ridicule being directed at the opposition.

 

2. It looks put on, because the Aussies are hearing it for the first time in English. Earlier it was done in Hindi as means to encourage the bowler. Now the Aussies get an earful because they are now spoken in English and directed at the opposition.

 

3. Importantly, earlier it was the Captain or the Coach who answered the media, now the media has access to all the players and the younger ones are relishing this opportunity to speak their minds.

 

There is one other reason; we have a young captain who is just a couple years into his international career. Fortunately, he has escaped the mindset of seniors who are still afraid to give as good as they get because they doubt whether they can walk the talk.(Their sterling records indicate otherwise.)

 

Like it or lump it, Aussies or for the matter others have to take into account that aggression has become ingrained and it is not going to go away by ridiculing it.