Former Indian pacer and current ICC Match Referee Javagal Srinath has shared a candid take on Sourav Ganguly's legendary habit of making Steve Waugh wait during the toss in the 2001 Test series.

Key Takeaways

  • Sourav Ganguly famously made Steve Waugh wait during the toss in the 2001 series.
  • Javagal Srinath stated he would have imposed a ban if he were the match referee.
  • The 2001 series was a turning point for Indian cricket post-match-fixing scandal.
  • India won the historic series 4-1 after a massive comeback in Kolkata.

The iconic 2001 Test series between India and Australia remains etched in cricketing folklore. A recurring detail often discussed is how a young Sourav Ganguly used to make the legendary Steve Waugh wait at the toss. Recently, former fast bowler and veteran ICC Match Referee Javagal Srinath commented on this, stating that had he been officiating the series, he would have slapped Ganguly with a suspension.

Historical Background

The 2001 series was a rollercoaster of emotions. After a crushing defeat in the first Test, India staged a miraculous comeback in the second Test at Kolkata. A monumental partnership between VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, coupled with Harbhajan Singh's wizardry, led India to become only the third team in history to win a Test match after being forced to follow-on. India eventually clinched the series 4-1.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Ganguly's psychological tactics were instrumental in shifting the power dynamics of world cricket. By challenging the dominance of the Australians, Ganguly helped usher in an era of aggressive Indian cricket that would eventually dominate the world rankings for years to come.

"I would have banned Sourav for a few games," Srinath remarked during an event in Chennai.

Beyond the on-field antics, Srinath highlighted the importance of that era in restoring the integrity of the sport. Following the match-fixing scandals of the late 1990s, the Indian team displayed immense resoluteness to prove to the world that cricket was clean and competitive.

Did You Know?: The 2001 series is widely credited with rebuilding fan faith in Indian cricket following the dark period of match-fixing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the tension between Ganguly and Waugh?
It wasn't a conflict of enmity, but rather a clash of styles; Waugh was annoyed by Ganguly's habit of delaying the toss proceedings.

2. How many matches has Srinath officiated?
As an ICC Match Referee, Javagal Srinath has officiated in more than 500 international matches.