Howzat!
February 23, 2021When will we ever learn?
As a keen cricket fan and follower of the Australian Cricket Team I had finally convinced myself to come back to support the men in the baggy green hats in their battles against the Indian Cricket Team in late 2020.
Long before the ’Sandpaper Gate’ disgrace of March 2018, I found myself embarrassed by the unsportsmanship antics of some members of the Australian Cricket Team. Of course, I have never been in the cauldron of the pressure of representing my country in cricket or any other sport for that matter, so was I being a bit soft, or a bit ‘precious’, as some acquaintances suggested?
Wasn’t Shane Warne a hero who only wanted to win for Australia at all costs?
So, his many indiscretions should be tolerated. Yes?
NO!
In the same team we had Adam Gilchrist who was just as passionate about winning for Australia, just as competitive, just as determined however his sportsmanship was impeccable.
Sir Donald Bradman, as chairman of selectors of the Australian Cricket Team in 1985 famously said, ‘When considering the stature of an athlete, I place great store on certain qualities which I believe to be essential in addition to skill. They are that a person conducts life with dignity with integrity, with courage and perhaps most of all modesty. These virtues are totally compatible with pride, determination and competitiveness.’
Now we fast forward to the Third Test in Sydney in January 2021 where we observe the Australian Cricket Captain exhibit a petulant ‘dummy spit’, firstly swearing at the umpire and following up the next day with puerile abuses to an Indian batsman. (He also dropped three catches which possibly cost Australia the match!)
As a role model to millions of Australians and particularly our children, I believe he should be held to account. As distinct from the view of the Australian coach who uttered that he should be ‘cut some slack’.
Leaders as role models must always be held to account. When will we ever learn!
Sorry, but “Come on India’!!
Robert J Re
26/01/2021