Mathew Hayden stands up for India

(Our Bureau, May 17) Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has penned a thoughtful note on India’s Covid situation and slammed the international media for its critical coverage of the country’s approach to the pandemic. Hayden wrote in a blog, “The world media has spared no time in lambasting a country of a whopping 1.4 billion where the sheer numbers make the implementation and success of any public scheme a challenge.” Calling Tamil Nadu his “spiritual home”, the former Chennai Super Kings player said he has the highest respect for leaders and public officials who are entrusted with the task of running such a vast country.  “I can proudly claim that I have seen India up close over the years and that is why my heart bleeds to see it not only in agony at the moment, but also for the bad press that has been hurled at it by those who I am not sure spend any time here to understand India, its people and their myriad challenges,” Hayden wrote in his blog. A host of other Aussies have spoken and contributed towards Covid relief work in India, the first being Pat Cummins who donated $50,000 for oxygen material.