Thumbs Down Coach
Here is another story about a coach. To say that he also is an Australian is saying 'roses are red.... ' and all the related ho hum reactions that come with it. Guru Greg, it seems, has invited the Australian team one week ealier than it's scheduled itinerary, to Jaipur to get used to the tough Indian conditions. He, the master innovator of failure, the destroyer of budding careers (Irfan Pathan anyone?), the middle finger man (instead of asking for a thumb from others, he gave them his middle finger.. such largesse!!) has actually had the gall to call his countrymen to Jaipur to help them win because he is currently employed by Cricket Australia as the chief of it's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.
This report in DNA gives the details http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1188252
What he forgets is that he is currently also a consultant at the Rajasthan Cricket Academy and was till recently in charge of the facility. Actually he hasn't forgotten his position at the RCA. He obviously is using it to further Australian interests. What he has forgotten is a word called 'professionalism'. What he has forgotten is that he also has some responsibility to this country as the RCA is affiliated to the BCCI. No one denies the right of the Australian cricket team to get more practice n India. The way in which it is done is what causes a frown. The BCCI, it seems, has not been intimated with this change of schedule. Obviously Lalit Modi and the RCA are equally to blame for this faux pas. But CA by bypassing all normal channels of communication, gives this entire episode a tinge of slyness. The same Australians who were cringing to tour Pakistan for the Champions trophy due to security concerns are more than happy to go to Jaipur which was a victim of bomb attacks recently, smacks of duplicity.
GG has already commented on the Roy episode. It seems he is also giving tips to the Australians about winning in India. Given the brilliant results of his tutorship in India, take it with a pinch of salt mate!!!