If this is true, then i have no sympathy for the players concerned. Watson, being the VC should know better and it is poor leadership on his part. For the record, I have supported Watson on this forum and have a big dislike for Michael Clarke. However, considering Australia was embarrassed in the last 2 tests, there is no excuse for the players to not complete this task.
The media will make light of it by calling it "homework", but these are the cracks that tend to appear in losing teams and it is this lack of discipline that, if allowed to continue, festers and creates a losing culture and a toxic environment.
I think the coach is well within his right and i applaud him on taking such a stance. Look at other sports and the actions of coaches to see how they try to create a winning culture. It sends a message to players and I am sure it will never happen again. If allowed to pass, it turns into a cancer and players start to get away with murder.
And of course the likes of Doug Walters would find this ridiculous. But, Doug Walters wasn't paid $1 million a year and was part of a totally different era where drinking before and after a game was the norm. I have no sympathy for poor discipline within the ranks of a side which playing so badly. I have a little more respect now for the coach having the balls to make such a tough decision. Makes me think we are in good hands.
PS. Can't stand clarke. His comments about Watson were not missed prior to the last test and I am sure he is affecting the dynamics of the team, especially since he is a selector.
