Killing the traditional Australian day out

Josh Massoud in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph launches a stinging attack of Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland who he says is out of touch with the man in the stands. For one day, Massoud, writes, leave the comfort zone of the corporate box and see how the other half lives.

The first thing you'll come across is the security checkpoint. No, no, don't worry James. You won't be cavity searched. I don't think they've introduced that yet. No, the "customer service personnel" just want to probe your bag and inspect all your belongings.

And it gets worse once punters are inside the ground.

The sun is out, and play is meandering. Damn it's hot. Back in the good old days, you'd just reach into that grand old icebox and crack open a cold one about now. But Eskys are now on CA's "restricted items" list, which is longer than Brett Lee's run-up.

And while you can buy beer once inside, Massoud says the security ruins what little fun there is still to be had.

Attention spans simply don't extend for eight hours, particularly in an age defined by distraction and background noise. But you've taken away their distractions. Frivolous as they might seem, beach balls, Mexican waves and heavy beer were an essential part of the greatest summer pastime this country knows. In their place you've put overzealous security, high-priced food and odious restrictions as part of a "crowd management strategy".

It's the saddest thing in Australian sport. The death of a day at the cricket. You might think I'm wrong, James. But you'll never know unless you get out there and see for it yourself.