How lame Nick Kyrgios could learn from the Australian cricket team

OPINION

Nick Kyrgios doesn’t seem the type to watch cricket but someone from his large entourage should package up the highlights of Australia's performance during the Boxing Day Test and show them to him. Don’t worry so much about the runs, wicket and catches, but just focus on the moments of courage, team spirit and camaraderie.

Show Kyrgios how Marnus Labuschagne unselfishly charged to the danger end and was run out after a horrible mix-up with David Warner. Labuschagne could have easily turned his back on Warner and dropped anchor instead of launching a suicide mission that prematurely ended his innings on a belter of a deck.

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While you’re at it, show Kyrgios how Warner kicked on from there to revive his stalled career with a heroic double century in energy-sapping heat. The opener's body almost shut down, forcing him off the field as he collapsed over the boundary rope in tears and complete exhaustion.

Now fast forward and watch South African quick Anrich Nortje sandwich Cameron Green's index finger against his bat handle, leaving the joint a bloodied mess and causing a fracture that will now force the tall all-rounder out of the game for up to two months. But that didn’t mean Green was about to bundy off. No way.

He had the injury needled up and went back out there on day three to help support Alex Carey in his bid for a maiden Test century. When the wicket-keeper reached three figures, Green raised his arms in a display of pure joy and emotion for what Carey had just achieved.

See that, Nick? A player enjoying the success of a fellow teammate. Who would have thought it?

Keep the tape rolling to where the wickets start falling and Green begins running out of partners. That's when Mitchell Starc – ignoring the pain of his own damaged finger - bravely went out to bat. He stayed around to ensure Green passed his half-century and later opened the bowling despite being in obvious pain, wiping blood from a wound on his pants before steaming in.

Why didn't Nick Kyrgios front the media?

At around the same time, embarrassed tennis officials were informing the media Kyrgios had pulled out of the United Cup teams event in Sydney with an ankle injury.

The call was made just 10 minutes before he was due to front a press conference, leaving Australian teammates Sam Stosur and Alex de Minaur to explain his absence even though they'd only just been informed themselves. Not that Kyrgios appeared to give a stuff.

The 27-year-old posted a video from Darling Harbour with a 'beautiful day' message accompanied by a laughing behind your hand 'oops' emoji. Kyrgios' injury may be genuine but why not front the presser to explain your absence and show some support to teammates? Not for the first time, he made it all about himself.

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