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The dust has settled after the shocking events at the second cricket Test at Sydney. Australia do not seem to have many supporters for their “win at any cost” strategy. The Indians lost a Test which they could well have won but have emerged victorious in the eyes of many across the world.

Amongst many, many articles following the Test, I liked one by Huw Richards in the International Herald Tribune. I think it is a well written summary of recent events. The Australians should have been celebrating- and the cricketing world celebrating with them- for their glorious feat of 16 successive Test wins. Unfortunately, they forgot that the means are as important as the end.

They won at any cost but now celebrate in mute mode virtually alone. Most cricket fans brought up in the traditions of sportsmanship are shocked by their blatant desire to win at any cost.

Pakistan’s coach, Geoff Lawson a former Australian fast bowler himself, said: “Perception is everything and the outside world thinks that this Australian team is arrogant and not well-behaved. Whether the team themselves think that is another issue, but I can guarantee you the rest of the cricket world certainly feel that about this cricket team.”

We from the sub-continent held the Aussies in great esteem. Through the ages we hero worshipped Sir Don Bradman, Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud and many others. I feel sorry that Australian standards of sportsmanship under Ricky Ponting have fallen to such low levels.