The picture presented to the world is of Australian cricketers and cricket authorities levelling the most serious allegations against cricketers from other nations, while at the same time covering up their own questionable actions. It connotes incredible hypocrisy and smugness. It is to be hoped, as the cricketers and Mr Speed suggested yesterday, that this was an isolated incident. But the ACB's secrecy and the players' attempts yesterday to play down the significance of the matter can only leave room for doubt. International cricket is now a big business, a form of televised entertainment for which the best exponents are exceptionally well rewarded.
Elite cricketers are also, of course, role models for young people.
Providing an example for boys and girls and young men and women is part of what they do. The ACB must now open itself up and give an assurance, if that is possible, that there have not been other, similar incidents that have been covered up. The assurance will have standing only if it is given in the right forum. The Age believes that the appropriate forum is in an immediate, open inquiry convened by the International Cricket Council, a body that can no longer afford to stand back and watch as authorities in member countries dither. When our cricketers wear the baggy green cap they are representing Australia - literally.