England’s cricketers in Australia, besides the loss of the Ashes, have had to contend with the embarrassment of having their bowlers’ plans read over the radio.
During the Fourth Test in Melbourne in December, a printed copy of the list of Australian batting weaknesses was taken from the England dressing room at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Besides parts being read over Australian radio, it was much quoted in the press.
This is the latest cricket and wider sporting example of team information being broadcast, not only harming the reputation of the losers, but offering the other team an insight into the opposition plans.
Rugby union coach Clive Woodward recalled how on a past Lions tour he and coaching staff were ‘neurotic’ about videoing of team training – that is, seeking to prevent any outsiders from filming training routines, for fear of opponents gaining an insight into play. Woodward also recalled that players’ hotel bedrooms, and meeting rooms, were swept, in electronic counter-measures. The reason: for the opposition to learn their opponents’ calls and plans could be the difference between winning and losing, Woodward said.
