West Indies’ paceman Sheldon Cottrell has been the talk of the town at the ongoing 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. However, it’s not his bowling that has made the headlines.
It’s the Jamaican’s, who also serves in the Army, celebration that has had everyone rooting for him this time. Cottrell’s ‘march and salute’ has been such a hit that fans, in the past few weeks, have taken to social media to show their appreciation and also share their version of the same.
And on Thursday, Indian pacer Mohammad Shami too joined the bandwagon as he was seen mimicking the celebration after Cottrell was dismissed during their group stage game at Old Trafford.
Mohamed Shami's Salute 😻#ICCWC2019 #INDvsWI #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/4bCSv6moM0
— Akshaykumar unni (@AkshaykumarUnni) June 28, 2019
This, however, didn’t go down well with a few fans and it was no surprise that they took to social media to make their voices heard.
Mohd Shami just mimicked Sheldon Cottrell's march-and-salute routine after his wicket, much to his teammates amusement.
— ZENIA D'CUNHA (@ZENIADCUNHA) June 27, 2019
It's part of his tribute to his country's armed forces, guys. Not cool, in my opinion. #CWC19 #INDvWI
Celebration of wickets from Hardik & Shami is unacceptable! Never expecting this from Indians against West Indies that too 😐 Cottrell's Salute is loved by people all over the world & Hardik needs to get mature 🤦🏼♂️ #CWC19 #INDvWI #WhistleForIndia Couldn't be happier for de win!
— Prince Nilmin (@Prince_nilmin) June 27, 2019
Mohd Shami mimicked Sheldon Cottrell's march-and-salute routine after his wicket.
— Saurabh Singh (@singhster_saub) June 28, 2019
It's part of his tribute to his country's armed forces, Imagine someone mocking Indian army after Dhoni's military insignia incident. Not cool!! #CWC19 #INDvWI
Meanwhile, Cottrell chose to look at the lighter side of the issue and responded with a funny one-liner in Hindi.
Great fun! Great bowling. Nakal Karna Hi Sabse Badi Chaploosi Hai 😉 https://t.co/PTuoGJciM7
— Sheldon Cotterell (@SaluteCotterell) June 28, 2019
It’s not been a tournament to remember for the Windies. With the side already out of the race for a place in the semifinals, the men from the Caribbean islands will be hoping to wrap up their time in England on a positive note when they face Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in their remaining two group games in the coming week.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter/ @cricketworldcup
