Michael Vaughan Downplays Laxman-Vaseline Controversy; Says Will Be Discreet

Apart from bringing on the clarion calls for the sporting spirit that was displayed by MS Dhoni, the Ian Bell-controversy achieved another thing. It helped in dousing the previous controversy that had hit the Test match, when former English captain Michael Vaughan had tweeted about the use of Vaseline on VVS Laxman’s bat to escape Hot-Spot-detection.

On the second day of the second Test match between India and England, Laxman had had an appeal for a caught-behind against him negated when the Hot-Spot did not catch the nick. However, there was a clear sound that emanated when the ball passed the bat and it had led to a speculation from Vaughan that Vaseline could have been used on the bat.

Vaughan had tweeted, “Has Vaseline on the outside edge saved the day for Laxman???”

The reaction to the issue had been vociferous, especially given that Laxman carries a reputation of being one of the more honest batsmen around. Indian commentator Sunil Gavaskar had gone up to the extent of saying that Laxman should take legal advice on the issue.

Vaughan did apologise by saying that he had meant no offence and that it was actually a joke on the technology and that he hadn’t had anything against Laxman. He also added, “However, given the reaction to that tweet, I’ll be discreet and careful when tweeting about the India players... I’d like you to play down the entire affair, for I meant absolutely no offence.”

Vaughan had earlier been embroiled in another controversy when he had commented at the final of the 2011 World Cup about Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara having bluffed about the toss. The toss at the 2011 World Cup had to be done twice because of a confusion around who had won it the first time.