- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Cricket Australia have an important but relatively simple decision to make before the Boxing Day test against Pakistan, and its not who replaces the injured Ricky Ponting.
Shane Watson, the golden haired nomad of Aussie cricket, constantly moving from state to state like a fugitive on the run, should be dropped from the Test team.
In light of the Sulieman Benn penalty of one test match or two one day internationals for giving Mitchell Johnson hugs and tickles on day two in Perth, match referee Chris Broad will hopefully impose similar disciplinary action for Watson’s immature outburst at Windies captain Chris Gayle.
Any penalty should be immediately doubled by Cricket Australia.
Cricket is a gladitorial sport, therefore celebrations and even the odd glare and fist pump as a send off to the departing batsman add to the intensity of the contest.
Watson’s petulant and embarrasing performance however, where Gayle was in no position to respond without compromising his own reputation, showed his immaturity and a blatant lack of respect for his opponent and the game that gives him so much.
No doubt there will be the standard apology and suggestions it was all patched up over a few beers in the rooms after the match.
If so, yet more credit to Gayle who not only maintained his composure at the crease while Watson bounced about like a raver on acid, but will also likely accept any apology in good faith.
Cricket Australia love nothing more than trumpeting their 2003 Spirit of Cricket code, as supposed proof the players have taken it upon themselves to maintain a code of conduct that emphasis’ respect and professionalism.
Neither were on display by Watson at the WACA.
Its an easy decision. Cricket Australia need to make an example of Watson and send him back to domestic cricket (presumably NSW, unless he has moved states again this week).
Throw in a hefty fine and send the message such behaviour is no longer tolerated by cricket’s governing body. They have been too weak for too long.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.