Batting icon Sunil Gavaskar feels the late Shane Warne sent down “magic deliveries” and mastered a difficult craft during his career, but the Australian wasn’t the greatest spinner of all time as his performance in India was “pretty ordinary”, a view that was criticised as ill-timed in some sections of the media Down Under.
Warne, since making his debut in 1992, played 145 Tests for Australia, picking up 708 wickets with his leg-spin. In his 194 ODI appearances, he snared 293 scalps.
But when Gavaskar was asked if the Australian was the greatest spinner he has seen, the former India captain said he rated India’s spinners and former Sri Lanka bowler Muttiah Muralitharan higher than Warne.
“No, I wouldn’t say that no. For me, the Indian spinners and Muralitharan were certainly better than Warne,” Gavaskar told India Today.
“Because look at Shane Warne’s record against India. He did not have much success against Indian players who were very good players of spin, I don’t think I would call him the greatest”
Gavaskar’s criticism of Warne’s record in India led to some sharp reactions Down Under.
“Honestly… It’s not the time: Indian legend slammed for ‘shameful’ Warne claim,” read the headline of Fox News.
“Gavaskar’s call was more head-scratching as it came after he admitted Warne’s leg spin was the toughest art to master as a bowler,” said a news.com.au in its report.
The report also carried a tweet of British journalist Jack Mendal, who said, “Honestly, Sunny, it’s not the time…could have just sidestepped it. The body isn’t even cold yet.”
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