Mixed Metaphor (and overuse) Alert

Now that the going is good, the cricketers can stamp the feet and call the shots; but the knives are out. The next time Ganguly’s team stumbles, the men behind the mikes will be ready tools and tongues sharpened. The saga of India’s dramatic World Cup has just added on a new sub-plot(India Today, March 10, 2003 – The other battle – Paper version. I am too lazy to hunt down the online version)
Are they trying to make up for Sidhu’s absence or something?