The Australians have always believed in taking care of their own. But in a show bordering on the contemptuous, media manager Philip Pope ushered Ricky Ponting and man of the match Andrew Symonds out of the press conference hall merely because visiting Aussie journalists hadn't bothered to make their way to the hall in time for its start.
More than a hundred Indian mediapersons — print and electronic — were left fuming and furious as Pope announced none-too-politely that the press conference wouldn’t begin until the Aussie scribes’ arrival. This, a good 20 minutes after the conclusion of the game, which is when post-match dos customarily begin.
Ponting and Symonds appeared nonplussed as Pope escorted them to an ante room, the latter muttering a 'see you later folks'. The duo, with Pope leading the way, re-emerged only after the four Australians eventually made an appearance. Strident protests perhaps finally convinced Pope that this was time for damage-control. "Sorry about the inconvenience, and thank you all for bearing with us," he said. Tell us another, Philip.
