Basically, I think most of them are self centred turds. However, I think Dan Vettori comes across as a really nice guy.
Fancy an Australian praising a Kiwi.
Funnily enough I came in to say the same thing. At work we all bemoan the fact that he is a Kiwi. He’s welcome to move to Bondi if he wants.
By all accounts Tendulkar is a pretty nice guy. He spreads his wealth around his local neighborhood and is very generous with his time.
Most of the Aussies seem like dickheads like back in the 70s. Aggro bunch of jumped up bank tellers.
With Tendulkar, I thought he could have done more with the incidents in the Australia / India wrangles. I think he likes to present himself as a nice guy whereas he may just be passive.
The present Australian team are largely prima donnas. And unfortunately, I don’t think they have the skills to back that up.
Re the 1970’s Australia team, I agree there was a hard edge. But I think players like Doug Walters were pretty easy going. I am not sure I could get along with any of the Chappells.
Andy Flintoff always comes across as likeable. Just don’t let him get drunk near pedalos.
Ross Taylor also seems to be a likeable chap. I particularly liked his quip that he would retire after beating Aussie in Napier so as to preserve his 100% captaincy record. I don’t particularly like his being injured for the next two games though.
I actually spoke with Daniel Vettori once, at a Combined Universities match. The historic conversation went something like this:
Me: “Bowlin’, Mr. Vettori!”
Him: “Thanks.”
But he said it with a smile on his face, even during a dull Combined Unis match, so I endorse the OP.