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January 9, 2008

If in India the debate over Harbhajan's ban is not longer about a game of cricket, as the ICCC's treatment of the champion spinner has been interpreted by many as a slur on India's national reputation. If test cricket is an expression of Australianness or national identity, then the negative public reaction to the Australian cricket's test win indicates a split between the nationality of the culture industry (Channel Nine and The Australian), the players and the public.

The lack of public support for the team in this incident must come as a surprise to Ponting + Co and their backers who are scornful of concerns about players' conduct. The Australian p[layers are widely seen to have displayed poor sportsmanship---the constant sledging of opponents to ensure 'mental disintegration' is seen as contrary to the 'spirit of the game' the players say they uphold. They play hard but not fair, as they are seen to cheat. So the unified Aussie nationality is fracturing along ethical lines.

| Posted by Gary Sauer-Thompson at 6:41 AM | Permalink

| Comments (4)

Comments

Its not a new thing. A few years back there was an Australian A team that consisted of the the 2nd 12.
They played in a one day series with Aust and 2 other countries. Aust and Aust A got in the finals and the crowd barracked for the A team and Booed the real team.
The Australian A team got shelved after that.

Tall poppy syndrome. I think most cricket fans that like the game and aren't trying to self promote themselves in the media will agree that Ponting has been a good captain and also that it is too soon for Clarke to takeover. So things will remain as they are.

Posted by: Les | January 9, 2008 11:15 AM

Les,
It's an interesting challenge for tall poppy don't you think? If we cut down these tall poppies we might start losing. What then?

Posted by: Lyn | January 9, 2008 3:38 PM

Gary, i think people need tall poppies, and they know that as much as they enjoy cutting them down. There is an endless supply of potential poppies as even an inferior product or individual can grow tall these days thanks to the fickle masses.

A few colleagues at work are avid cricket fans, one being of Indian descent. I've been surprised by how disappointed they are in the Australian Cricket side, to the point that one has refused to watch the next two tests. They all believe Kumble's statement that Australia doesn't play in the spirit of the game. They appear to be referring to dishonest appealing and pressuring the umpires inappropriately. They also agree that the name calling incident was an example of Australia not being able to take what they themselves dish out.

My Indian friend argues that "monkey" is a typical innocent insult in India and points out that "bastard" is a much more serious insult. I agree it's probably not PC to call Symonds a monkey, but am more inclined to believe that this bit of name-calling is gamesmanship and should have been left out on the field.

Posted by: kez | January 9, 2008 5:01 PM

Lyn,
We will look like battlers then.
The likelihood of India beating Australia at the Waca is remote though but it could happen.
A poll on baggygreen.com.au "Do Australia play in the spirit of the game. 71.2 yes 28.8 No.
This takes in the people that like the game and know the website and thats the opinion that counts. Not the people that go "Oh is the stupid cricket on again".

The one day series between Aust, India and Sri Lanka will be on soon and you can bet that the punters will be hoping that India comes last.
Sri Lanka is well liked.

Posted by: Les | January 9, 2008 5:22 PM