Gavaskar apologises for his remark on Hookes

Melbourne, Mar 20 (UNI) Terming it as ''uncalled for and inappropriate'', legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has apologised for his remark made about David Hookes' death when criticising the Australian team's on-field behaviour.

''I realise and I accept that what I said was uncalled for and inappropriate. Having said that, I hope they (Hookes' family and friends) have the bigness of heart to forgive me for what I said about David Hookes,'' gavaskar told Melbourne radio station SEN, adding that on live shows sometimes one respond on the spur of the moment with a remark that can cause hurt and pain to others.

However, the little master did not back away from his claim about the Australian teams's on-field behaviour. But he was still confident of having a friendly chat with Australian captain Ricky Ponting despite their recent public spat.

''I am not at loggerheads with Ricky Ponting, I admire him for his batting and for the way he has come back after the Ashes loss. Cricketers hardly ever hold too much against each other.

I'm pretty certain the next time Ricky and I meet up, we'll be fine, we'll be able to shake hands, share a joke and carry on with our lives,'' the former Indian captain said.

Mentionably, on a television show last week, Gavaskar cited Hookes' tragic death outside a Melbourne pub as an ''example'' when comparing Australian players on-filed behaviour to the sort of talk in a bar, which later prompted an angry backlash from the big names of Australian cricket.

UNI