Applause and brickbat for Mickey Arthur on bold sacking decision

Coach Mickey Arthur has received applause from a section of Australian media while a few experts pilloried him for the "nonsense" decision to axe four players from the side on disciplinary ground.

The majority of the Australian cricket fraternity has also criticised Arthur for the stunning move, but the national media feels the players' attitude was unprofessional and disregardful of the baggy green.

"What a disgrace. Australia's infamous four deserve not ashred of sympathy for their feckless disregard for the tea methos and culture aimed at returning Australia to the apex of world cricket," a 'Herald Sun' report read.

"In the past week, coach Mickey Arthur and the selectors have copped an absolute hammering from Australian cricket fans for the team's dismal performances on this wretched tour of India..."Today, Michael Clarke and Mickey Arthur should be applauded for their relentless desire to bring success back to Australian cricket," it added.

Watson and three other key players -- pacers James Pattinson and Mitchell Johnson and batsman Usman Khawaja were dropped from the squad for the third Test for failing to make a presentation on how to improve their personal as well as the team's performance. "The actions of Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson, James Pattinson and Usman Khawaja are a kick in the guts for the standards of excellence Clarke and Arthur are trying to establish," the report said.

"That one of the four should openly be seen smiling just moments after the announcement underlines the attitudinal problems that are eroding the team's collective ambitions."Watson, Johnson, Pattinson and Khawaja are paid more than $500,000 a year to play cricket for their country. That they failed to take part in a peer review aimed at improving the team is an indictment on their professionalism and shows alack of respect for their colleagues and the baggy green," the report added.

... contd.

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