Australia played with distinction

In short, the Australians were not beaten because they have turned into a bunch of softies. To the contrary, they represented the nation with distinction and after a terrific tussle succumbed to a superbly led and single-minded side that played sturdy cricket for four days. The Australians did not exactly put out a welcome mat for each batsman or blush every time an appeal was rejected. Instead, they shook hands before the match, kept their manners when players collided, did not appeal unless they thought the batsman might be out, did not claim any questionable catches and generally played cricket that the entire world and not just apologists can recognise as hard but fair. As vice-captain and behind the sticks, Adam Gilchrist served with distinction.

Ponting deserves credit for the way his side played. A man under attack faces a stark choice. He can dismiss the remarks and surround himself with backslappers, a species in abundance on this continent. Or he can take the opportunity provided by provocation to re-examine his path. Ponting chose the latter course. It was not a single article that caused the commotion, but the response to it. Moreover, Anil Kumble's comments were altogether more telling, coming from a man of such stature. Australia had lost touch with its better self.