Yes,the tour has used up enormous resources at a time when many of them,especially fuel and electricity,are in horrendously short supply. But the playing of cricket,including a white ball series won by the hosts in front of packed crowds in Kandy and Colombo,has been a rare source of national unity in a time of crisis.
Australian cricketers can be an insular lot:many have toured South Asia over the years and scarcely ventured out of their hotel rooms when not actually playing cricket. While this group has been corralled somewhat by security and COVID-19 protocols,their collective attitude has been much more outward focused.
That’s not by accident. Earlier this year,CA recommitted to fulfilling international touring obligations,even when times were difficult. Both this year’s consecutive tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka may well have been postponed under previous administrations.
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A seasoned team,with many touring experiences behind them,has been far more willing to travel. They have been aided too,by comprehensive briefings on security and other risks from Australian consular authorities,DFAT and the other cricket boards.
“I am really impressed with the calmness of the group and how they have embraced the opportunities and life experiences,” CA’s chief executive Nick Hockley said.
It helps that the men’s Test captain,Pat Cummins,is naturally curious and altruistic in his nature,to the extent that he’s a UNICEF ambassador.