Hussain’s ‘donkey’ comment angers India

NEW DELHI: India reacted sharply Friday to comments by former England cricket skipper Nasser Hussain comparing Indian fielders to “donkeys” during the recent one-off Twenty20 international at Old Trafford. Indian cricket board vice-president Rajiv Shukla told reporters that Hussain’s remarks, made while commentating on Wednesday’s match, were “totally uncalled for”. “One should adopt restraint while making observations about players,” Shukla said. “Commentators should not make such comments. We will definitely look into it.
Every player has to be respected irrespective of his performance. I don’t think this comment was appropriate.” Hussain’s criticism of the Indian fielding came when Parthiv Patel misjudged a catch off English batsman Kevin Pietersen. “I would say the difference between the two side is the fielding,” Hussain had said. “England are all-round a good fielding side. I do believe that India have few… three or four very good fielders and one or two donkeys in the field still.” Injury-hit India, thrashed 4-0 in the preceding Test series by England, also lost the Twenty20 game by six wickets. They will now play a five-match one-day series starting Saturday. afp