The Australian cricket board "has sacked a public address announcer whose mocking of England players appeared to include adopting an Indian accent when introducing Monty Panesar," according to Simon Wilde of the SUNDAY TIMES. David Nixon "was relieved of his duties" after lunch on the second and final day of the warm-up match against the Chairman’s XI in Alice Springs. A Cricket Australia spokesperson said his conduct had been “inappropriate.” The announcer also aimed a jibe at batsman Joe Root, according to one report, saying, “You can go and have another drink now, Joe” when the batsman was dismissed (SUNDAY TIMES, 12/1). The PA reported there "will be no further comment from CA until a review of events has been completed." The controversy over Nixon's performance "comes against an antagonistic backdrop so far in this winter's Ashes, which has included an outbreak of 'sledging' in England's first-Test defeat at the Gabba last week and a frosty, partisan reception for the tourists from media and home crowds alike" (PA, 11/30).
