Two islands, separated by oceans, continents and attitudes produced correct cricketing decisions. It shows that if you have the intent, the right path isn’t always very difficult to find. Intent though, can be an elusive trait, often hard to find and once found, hard to adhere to.

You expect Australia to take the appropriate, if uncomfortable, path. Decision making off the field is often looked down upon by those that take decisions on it. But it is just as important. That is why there is much to admire in the Australian system; it has tough, hardy men at all levels. Consequently, the decision to send Andrew Symonds back would have been easier for them than for most.

Not only was a senior man sent home, the reasons for the action were clearly spelt out. They were in the open, not camouflaged behind flimsy decoys. So now, everyone knows what you cannot do. Remember, the captain was inexperienced but the Aussies encourage you to be your own man. It is an admired quality, not one that is met with raised eyebrows.

Kevin Pietersen comes across as being his own man as well. He is confident and combative and that is often equated with arrogance. But when he meets a fork in the road, he chooses the path of aggression. In doing so he gives his team the best chance of success. It might still be early days for him as captain, but he is not feeling his way around. If he fails he will not be able to look elsewhere and good leaders are happy to live with that responsibility.

... contd.