What do they know of cricket, who only cricket know?
The second test match between England & Australia at Edgbaston which ended so spectacularly on Sunday will be remembered for many individual triumphs. But two simple gestures explain what makes cricket so special.
On Saturday, after clean bowling Andrew Flintoff, Shane Warne flashed him a discrete thumbs up. Australia’s legendary spin bowler was conveying appreciation of a superb innings by the England all-rounder.
On Sunday, when England clinched the closest ever Ashes victory, Flintoff ducked away from the melee of jubliant England players to congratulate and console the two batsmen who had carried Australia to the very brink of victory.
It is heartening to see that there is still room for sportsmanship and mutual respect, even in the closest of matches.
Update 2022:
Pictures updated