Mickey Arthur rightfully disciplines 4 Ausie cricketers

Shane Watson, James Pattinson, Mitchell Johnson and Usman Khawaja were all suspended for one test match by Australian coach Mickey Arthur following their failure to do homework set out for them, and a history of "attitude" and "back-chat". Shane Watson returned to Australia to be with his pregnant wife and consider his future in the game.

During a break between the second and third test match between Australia and India, Arthur gave the AUS team the task of brainstorming how each player could improve their own game, and that of the team. They had a few days to do this. The above four players returned empty handed and received the axe. Captain Michael Clarke backed Arthur's decision saying the failure of the players was "unacceptable".

I think that Arthur did the right thing to make the team do this 'homework'. He said that working on their game was part of improving, otherwise they would stay number 3 or 4 in the world. The fact that some players did not show Arthur, and the team, the respect by doing it is not right. When I hear that there is a history of bad attitude that makes it even worse.

Arthur has been criticized by some for his decision. Others have criticized the players. For me it is simple: Success is achieved through hard work and sacrifice. Any student can tell you that. If the majority of the team and it's management want success they will work hard. If a few individuals refuse to adhere to the consensus, maybe they should find another team where they don't have to work.

Achieving greatness also means being humble and obeying your leaders. Jesus said that "...Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave" (Matt 20:26-27). What do you think about this issue?

Mickey Arthur (44) coached South Africa from 2005-2010. Picture taken from http://www.bbc.co.uk.

You can read the story here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/australia/9927135/Australia-coach-Mickey-Arthur-reveals-suspending-four-players-was-for-culmination-of-lots-of-small-minor-indiscretions.html 

Great match up in store

The ODI and T20 series between SA and PAK should be very competitive. The games should be a great deal closer than the recent one-sided test series in which SA whitewashed Pakistan 3-0.

SA are 4th in the ICC ODI rankings and Pakistan are 6th. In T20s SA are 5th and Pakistan are 6th. Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers are ranked number 1 and 2 as batsmen in ODIs respectively by the ICC but Saeed Ajmal is the number one ODI and T20 bowler in the world.

2 T20s and 5 ODIs are to be played. The first T20 was supposed to be played today but was abandoned because of rain. That leaves one T20. They ought to be very good as Pakistan are notorious for their strength, although not always consistency, in the shorter versions of the game. South Africa are pretty much known for the same thing, though they are undoubtedly less consistent in the shorter formats than in test cricket.

Pakistan enjoy the inclusion of Shahid Afridi while South Africa may shake up their selection with one-day specialists David Miller, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Aaron Phangiso, Farhaan Behardien, Colin Ingram and Ryan McLaren. The Proteas also have new blood in Rory Kleinvedt and Kyle Abbott. Nasir Jamshed of Pakistan will also have a point to prove after failing in the test series. I predict that both series will yield fantastic cricket.

Mohammad Hafeez (32 years old) of Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in 2012. Picture taken from http://www.supersport.com.

Hashim Amla (29) of South Africa is the number one batsman in tests and ODIs according to the ICC rankings. Picture taken from http://www.espncricinfo.com