Does the English Cricket Board really think the Australian public will be concerned by reports that some of England's best players are considering boycotting this year's Ashes?
What's the big deal? England has been sending second-rate teams down to Australia for decades, and besides, we Aussies don't care who we play against, just as long as we win.
One of Australia's greatest sporting heroes is speed skater Steven Bradbury who won a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics when everyone else in the race fell over, so that gives you an insight into our mindset.
Australia don't care what England side they play in the Ashes this winter, as long as they win
Every television in the country will be tuned in to the slaughter from Tim Paine's side
England can field the Crinkley Bottom Under-14 C's for all we care. Barring lockdown, the grounds, pubs and clubs will still be packed, while every television in the country will be tuned in to the slaughter.
The Pommy supporters can whinge all they like; say it wasn't a fair contest, that their superstars were back home sitting in front of the fire while the Aussie bullies ran roughshod over the reserves, but not too many people south of the equator will be listening.
The result will be in the record books – and there won't be any asterisk. Nor should there be.
If the England players don't want to follow conditions imposed by the Australian authorities during the current pandemic, then that's their decision. No-one is forcing them to make the tour, and while there will be those who are quick to label them spoilt if they stay home, they will no doubt also get plenty of support.
Steve Smith (L) and David Warner (centre) are two of seven Aussies to be missing from the current series in Bangladesh
Obviously it is tough to ask them to leave their partners and children behind for up to four months, and the Australian government's reported decision to put the red line through the traditional Christmas 'family reunion' in Melbourne would make it even tougher.
But these are tough times, and let's not forget that spending time away from home is part of a professional athlete's job description.
Even as I write, the Australian cricket team is playing a T20 series in Bangladesh after having toured the West Indies. Okay, admittedly seven top players didn't go, but they all had good reasons. Steve Smith was injured and David Warner was … well, I'm not sure what Dave's excuse was but I'm sure it was good. They always are.
As someone who spent the best part of 30 years following sporting teams around the world while my wife struggled with the ups and downs of raising four kids back home, I must admit I'm not as sympathetic as some when I hear about the sacrifices made by our high-profile sportsmen and women.
Especially when considering the disparity in the size of my pay-packet and that of, say, a Test cricketer. Not that this debate should be solely about money.
Obviously it is tough to ask Joe Root and Co to leave their partners and children behind
