In the past decade, following the Australian cricket team has sometimes been a bit like supporting capital punishment. Even those comfortable with the outcome can become squeamish when confronted with the methods employed to achieve it.
Perhaps that is why the tactics of Australia's latest executioner, Brett Lee, are causing some heartache among Australian fans. Particularly those still clinging to those rather quaint notions about sportsmanship, The Game and all that.
Even before he took an unhealthy interest in decapitating defenceless members of the South Africa tail-end, angel-faced Lee had displayed the early symptoms of white-line fever (including sticking his foot over the white line rather too often).
Perhaps it was the result of his frustration after a poor Ashes series. Maybe he mistook Shane Bond for a batsman. But his extravagant and profane send off for the New Zealand No10 not only warranted the $8250 fine he received but also was an embarrassing moment for a bowler of supposedly international class.
Rather like Harry Kewell doing a handstand after an opposition own-goal or Pat Rafter pumping his fist as Goran Ivanisevic served a double fault.
If that was just plain high-spirited stupidity, Lee entered murkier waters with his fiery first-innings spell to South African bunnies Makhaya Ntini and Nantie Hayward. It was not so much the two consecutive deliveries that hit Ntini or even the first three half-trackers that zeroed in on Hayward that were of concern. Hayward, particularly, had peppered the Australian batsmen and came to the crease knowing he was in for a torrid time.
But, while the Fast Bowlers' Union was disbanded long before Peter Reith could legislate against it, Lee's fourth and final bumper to Hayward crossed the line that distinguishes the legitimate working-over of a batsman from assault and battery.
Before the ball left Lee's hand Hayward was standing on the square leg umpire's toes and would have been hiding under a rub-down table in the dressing-sheds by the time it passed the stumps. Yet the ball went straight at him - on its way to the boundary for four byes. This was no mere attempt to ruffle Hayward's feathers. It was old-fashioned head hunting.
The umpire spoke to Lee, but no rule had been broken. Predictably, the South Africans had no complaints. And, of course, Lee retained the vocal support of captain Steve Waugh who has championed his fellow New South Welshman's international career.
In some minds, Lee may have entered the realms of hairy-chested fast-bowling lore with his brutal burst. That would be romaticising his efforts, to say the least.
Lillee 'n' Thommo might have skinned a few rabbits in their day, but they also had good batsmen like Geoff Boycott trembling and dodgy ones including Mike Denness retreating faster than the al-Qaeda. And, although he once floored hapless Bert Oldfield, Harold Larwood was also able to make Bill Ponsford and The Don do the limbo.
By taking aim at a sitting duck, Lee abused his great gift - the ability to bowl really, really fast. Like Superman, he has powers that should be used for good - ie: good batsmen - rather than evil. Yes, it was a legitimate tactic to get Hayward on the back foot. But surely, after that, Lee should be hell-bent on increasing his skinny recent strike-rate by knocking down the stumps.
It would be a great shame if Lee's on-field indiscretions altered the public's positive perception of him as a cricketer and a person.
Confident enough to put his musical talents to vinyl, yet sufficiently humble to turn up for work in a men's wear store a day or so after taking a Test five-fer, Lee has not merely cultivated a media image or traded on his good looks. He comes across as a genuinely nice bloke.
At a one-day international last summer, he leaned down from the players' seats at the SCG to sign autographs for children and chat with casual acquaintances from the local cricket scene. Some would do this only as a contractual obligation. Lee seemed to enjoy himself.
But by celebrating minor victories and bruising duffers, Lee will make himself an easy target for those in the media who have had an axe to grind with far more accomplished players, including Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath because of their misdemeanours. That would be a pity for Lee, and for anyone who does not merely wish to acknowledge his team's victories but to celebrate them.
With new stars Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer all positive role models, the team's image has undergone a makeover recently. Lee should be another positive influence, not just some demented rabbit-hunter.
- RICHARD HINDS