Take Aussie provocation into account in ICC hearing: Gavaskar

Gambhir has been charged under clause C1 Level 2 of the Code for his nudging of Watson while taking a run and the Australian has been booked under C1 Level 1 offence.

Criticising the tactics used by the Australians, Gavaskar said Gambhir only reacted to provocation by Watson.

“That provocation has to be taken into account. Not just the guy who has reacted,” Gavaskar said.

The former India captain said India would have to think of different plans and tighten their fielding if they want to bowl out the Australians.

“India unfortunately does not have too many specialist fielders. There is of course Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman at the slips. But in the forward short leg area they are struggling at the moment.

“And Gambhir after that big innings will be just a bit stiff and will not be able to move quickly that is required to take the sharp edges that come his way. So India might just struggle a little bit there,” he said.

“Also when the bowler is trying to keep the batsman at one end sometimes the singles are conceded and so the bowler has to think of a different plan for the batsman,” he added.