In a dramatic twist to a simmering media row, it has been revealed that Australia's cricketers themselves drove the controversial decision to ban the national broadcaster, the ABC, from interviewing Ashes stars during the Sydney Test.
The Spark That Ignited the Fire
The ban was a direct response to scathing remarks made by former Australian fast bowler Stuart Clark during an ABC broadcast. Clark launched a personal critique of key Cricket Australia figures, questioning the authority and credentials of chief selector George Bailey and head of cricket James Allsopp.
Speaking on air, Clark suggested Bailey lacked the 'gravitas or the leadership skills' to stand up to coach Andrew McDonald or senior players like Steve Smith and Pat Cummins. He went further, dismissing Allsopp's role by claiming he was 'a grade club cricket coach that throws underarm balls to kids' and expressed confusion over high-performance manager Ben Oliver's duties.
Players Take a Stand, Backed by CA
Cricket Australia's CEO, Todd Greenberg, swiftly labelled Clark's attack as 'out of order'. However, a report by The Australian's Andrew Webster claims the subsequent media blackout was player-led. According to the report, the playing group spearheaded the move to snub the ABC, with Cricket Australia's media department providing support.
The national broadcaster was informed that no team members would be available for interviews after the second day of the Sydney Test. It's reported that CA had indicated all would be forgiven if an apology was issued, but the ABC refused to comply.
Senior Stars Rally in Defence
In the wake of the controversy, senior Australian players have mounted staunch defences of George Bailey's record. Stand-in Sydney captain Steve Smith, who claimed he was unaware of the boycott, questioned why anyone would criticise the chief selector given the team's stellar results.
'Since he's been in charge, we've made a couple of Test Championship finals. We've played really good cricket,' Smith stated, referencing a period that has seen Australia win a T20 World Cup, an ODI World Cup in India, a World Test Championship final, retain the Ashes in England, and secure a 4-1 series victory at home.
Pace bowler Mitchell Starc echoed the sentiment, praising Bailey's direct approach. 'The greatest thing with George is it's never a sugar-coating conversation,' Starc said, highlighting tough selection calls made during Bailey's tenure, including omitting Nathan Lyon from pink-ball Tests and dropping players like Mitch Marsh and Starc himself during World Cup campaigns.
The incident underscores the intense scrutiny on selection panels and the potent influence players wield in modern cricket's media landscape, setting a firm precedent for how the team responds to public criticism from former stars.
