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Aussies flattered by 'pack of dogs' comment
After being described as "rude" for nudging BCCI President Sharad Pawar, Aussies have now been called a "pack of dogs" by Kiwi opener Vincent.
After being described as "rude" for nudging BCCI President Sharad Pawar, Australian cricketers have now been called a "pack of dogs" by New Zealand opener Lou Vincent, but Ricky Ponting's men take it as a compliment.
Vincent's claims that "they are very close knit and hunt like a pack of dogs" did not cause much offence.
"Hearing that is almost a compliment because that is what we try and do," fast bowler Brett Lee said.
"One of the reasons we have played really well recently is that we have had a never-say-die attitude and sometimes other teams see that as a bit of ego. That is definitely not the case," he was quoted as saying by the 'Herald Sun'.
The speedster said Aussies played tough cricket but know where to draw the line. "People talk about our sledging and we play really tough cricket. We are renowned for that but we know there is a line. We are well aware of the boundaries.
"Things are not said in a bad way. There are no racial things said and nothing that represents a bad image for kids.
"Of course there are mind games. There is always going to be chat out there," he said.
Opener Matthew Hayden rejected suggestions the Australians were unsportsmanlike toward opponents.
"Definitely not. If he (Vincent) considers that to be the case, I am not that unhappy about that, to be honest.
"We are in a position where we are playing very confidently but we are also very proud of the way we are playing. We have worked very hard at our behaviour on and off the field," he said.
The Australians have been at pains to improve their image after several top players were fined for disciplinary infringements.
