Australian fans lash out at their media for taking an unnecessary jibe at Team India

Former South African superstar AB De Villiers once said in an interview that the Australian media is the worst in the world. One might find it little too harsh from someone like AB, who is well-known for his stoic like poise, but there is hardly an iota of doubt about how ill-mannered certain sports journalists from down under have been over the years.

Having that been said, an Australian newspaper has tried to ‘hit the raw nerve’ of yet another visiting team with a headline that reads, “The Scaredy Bats” referring to the Indian team after their arrival in Adelaide ahead of the first Test of the highly anticipated series, starting December 6. The report supposedly states that the Indian team, led by Virat Kohli, fears the bouncy tracks at Brisbane and also of the ‘unknown’ in Perth and the dark in Adelaide as they decided against playing a day-night Test, citing lack of preparation.

Richard Hinds, an Aussie journalist, posted the picture of the controversial headline on Twitter and he seemed to be anything but unimpressed about the newspaper’s efforts which could turn out to be affecting the image of the country. Brydon Coverdale, a popular Australian quiz personality, also shared his views on Twitter by pointing out how well the likes of Kohli, Murali Vijay, Ajinkya Rahane and KL Rahul batted when they toured Australia last time in 2014-15.

Fans react

The fans of Australian cricket team have also had their share of putting the visitors off balance by their insults in the past. That is not the case this time around as they came in support for Team India on Twitter. The whole thing, according to several of them, looks silly and completely unavoidable.

With the Test series not too far away, the Australian media has added yet another feather to its cap of ‘infamous reportage’. The anger and frustration from fans is totally understandable, given that the home team has been going through one of its most difficult phases ever since the ball tampering scandal and such remarks against the visitors can only add more insult to injury.

Here are some of the tweets:

Anyone else tired of the childish and predictable mocking of visiting teams by Australian media? It’s become a boorish tradition that reflects poorly on our country.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/3bFgFSgaWZ

— Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) December 2, 2018

Well last time in Australia, Kohli made 4 hundreds and averaged 86.50, Vijay averaged 60.25, Rahane averaged 57 and Rahul in just his second Test made 110 at the SCG, so umm yeah I think they'll be fine.

— Brydon Coverdale (@brydoncoverdale) December 3, 2018

Rule number1 – don't stir up Kohli. Rule number 2 – See Rule number 1.

— Michael (@MSVLKnight) December 2, 2018

Particularly embarrassing when some erroneously believe it reflects the views of Australians. Respect the opposition is the first thing taught in Australian junior sport

— Matt Mitchell (@brismattm) December 2, 2018

I don't think anyone's scared of Australia's team.

— Rod Draper (@DraperRod) December 2, 2018

I was tired of it around 2003..the media in Australia has to take a hard look at itself just as much as the men’s cricket team does. Justin Langer and Tim Paine should have a quiet word with the editors of these rags and state emphatically that these cheap jibes are not wanted.

— Henry Arkwright (@HenryArkwright) December 2, 2018

To be honest, I'm sick of the Australian media attacking our nation's cricket team. The amount of brown nosing towards India is disgraceful.

— Kris Stewart (@KrisStewart1000) December 3, 2018

Yep, its kids stuff Richard, shows a lack of class and a lot of disrespect. Not surprised though, its usually those who have never achieved anything in the sports world that come up with these ridiculous headlines. 100% agree.

— Dan Smith a.k.a "Dan from Huntingdale" (@West1987) December 2, 2018

I’ve never seen this type of media before usually of late it’s bagging the Australian team . It’s the same when we tour isn’t it ? That particular one though is very childish

— just jude ⚓️⚓️💜16 (@JB_1050) December 2, 2018

Pitiful shit. No respect at all at a time when people are switching off in droves. This doesn't get them back..just pisses ppl off further.

— Chris Michaels (@chrismwriter) December 2, 2018

We are not in a position to be mocking anyone. We are cheats.

— MJSteel86 (@MJSteel86) December 2, 2018

No wonder Aussie media is shameless, you guys have @DennisCricket_ as a representative here on twitter too.

— shreshth (@magniificient) December 3, 2018

I don’t even bother with 95% of media coverage anymore. Got my favorite journos i’ll follow and don’t even give the others any attention. I simply don’t have time for the aggrovation.

— Daniel Gaylor (@DannyBonavena) December 2, 2018

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~Written by Harikrishnan Sivakumar