Motivational expert Ray McLean, who helped the Australian cricket team tackle the racism row following the Sydney Test, has dismissed claims that Ricky Ponting's side is arrogant.
MELBOURNE: Motivational expert Ray McLean, who helped the Australian cricket team tackle the racism row following the Sydney Test, has dismissed claims that Ricky Ponting's world champion side is arrogant.
McLean, who was summoned by Cricket Australia to advise Ponting and Co. following all-round criticism from sports legends, former cricketers and the media for their 'win at all costs' attitude, insists that the world champions are not driven by arrogance.
"I've worked with the Australian side since November and I haven't witnessed an arrogant team," said McLean who has worked with top Australian football and rugby teams.
"All I've seen are pretty professional athletes that accept where they sit can be a tough place to occupy. They have a strong view about the way they play the game, but the team is prepared to look at itself and ask, 'How do we get better?'
"An arrogant team would have said, 'Go to blazes. We don't care what anyone thinks'," McLean was quoted as saying by 'Herald Sun'.
"The way I see it, you have a side that is clearly focused and desperate to maintain their top position. The players' mindset is if you are the best, and you are sitting there holding your ground, you will lose ground," he said.
McLean, however, admitted that the Australians did cross the line during the Sydney Test saying, 'they concern themselves with the bigger picture. In my mind what happened the other week was an aberration.'
"I don't see it perpetuating. They sat down and had a look at things and to me that is a good sign," he said.
McLean also praised Ponting's leadership qualities, saying, "Ricky stacks up as well as any of the good leaders I've worked with. I could understand the criticism but, in my dealings with Ricky, he has a good feel for the group and is clear about the behaviour standards expected."
"He tries his hardest to live up to those and I see him trying to promote those within the group," he added.
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