Australia's mess
Rohit Brijnath, writing in the Straits Times, reasons why the disciplinary action, though rightly intended, hadn't been executed tactfully
ESPNcricinfo staff
14-Mar-2013
Australian cricket currently seems to be facing some problems, exacerbated by the expulsion of four players from the Mohali Test for failing to perform a written task. Rohit Brijnath, writing in the Straits Times, says the disciplinary action, though rightly intended, hadn't been executed tactfully, which was important to preserve Australia's image.
With its dope scandals, the silliness of its swim team and now the cricket controversy, Australian sport, once a model, now looks bruised. It only proves that great sporting cultures do not simply keep breathing strongly but must be carefully preserved.
The cricketing management believes, and not entirely wrongly, that success in the short-term is worth sacrificing for a process to be set in place. But, by allowing it to become a public and ridiculous spectacle, a presumed lesson on discipline has turned also to evident distraction. A good point has been clumsily made.