Allan Border famously banned wives and girlfriends from travelling with the Australian cricket team on the 1989 Ashes tour of England. Border insisted that winning had to come first, and that’s what happened.
He still cops flak about the decision from some of the (ex) players’ wives, apparently.
However, it puts into context the decision by current Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke to return home from a tour of New Zealand to support his girlfriend model, Lara Bingle.
Bingle is said to be so distraught over former sexual partner Brendan Fevola distributing a nude photo of her that she’s suing him for an undisclosed amount.
Clarke’s unprecedented decision leaves the touring team with just 12 men.
Earlier, Australian cricket management had simply stated that Clarke was heading home for “personal reasons”.
His manager Chris White, told The Punch today: “Michael has come home to support Lara through this tough time.”
Society has changed since 1989, when I was 22, but my sense of perspective hasn’t.
Clarke has abandoned his teammates to be with his upset girlfriend, not a dying relative. He has left his workplace.
Since when did “upset girlfriend” qualify for personal leave?
An employer should be reasonably compassionate, but under Clarke’s rules, anything goes.
Bugger your work colleagues (fellow players) and customers (spectators). They can go to hell. A girlfriend is more important.
Michael Clarke, you don’t deserve to be captain of Australia.
×0
I have a hard time believing she is THAT upset in the first place. Also, I think Mr. Clarke was just looking for any excuse to leave. You’re right, he doesn’t deserve to be captain. It’s not like she’s having a baby or diagnosed with a debilitating illness. She’s overreacting to a photo!! Ugh.