Now that's commitment

[LongHopCassidy]

http://wwwc1.cricinfo.com/ausveng/content/story/261266.html

Lee puts country before family

Brett Lee has pledged to put country ahead of family and will take the field for Australia in the first Ashes Test at Brisbane next month, even though his wife Liz is due to give birth to their first child on the eve of the match.

"We've said right from the start, which is credit to the person that Liz is, I will definitely be playing," said Lee. "I'm hoping and praying that it either comes early or late. To me, cricket is important, but family is the most important thing in my life. Hopefully I can be there for both."

Lee, who married Liz Kemp in June, turned down $A50,000 (£19,400) for exclusive photographs of his wedding and baby.

Huge sacrifice, and one that sums up the commitment of an international cricketer. Given his position, though, what would you do?

 

[pasag]

If he misses the birth, he'll regret it down the line. That being said I'd do the exact same thing.

 

[silentstriker]

I'd play.

 

[social]

Attend the birth - may not get another opportunity and there are always more test matches

 

[Turbinator]

Attend the birth - may not get another opportunity and there are always more test matches

Well they're are always more babies.

 

[silentstriker]

Attend the birth - may not get another opportunity and there are always more test matches

No way. Its just a kid popping out. You'll see him soon enough...but that one test may make the difference in the Ashes.

 

[Dasa]

Attend the birth - may not get another opportunity and there are always more test matches

I agree. In the end, it's just sport. A child is much much more important IMO.

 

[howardj]

Have a home birth at the 'Gabba.

Induce her during a rain delay / lunch break.

 

[Alysum]

thats normal. his career is important to make money for the kid! what if Lee doesnt play and Johnson takes a 5fer, Lee could be dropped!

 

[Pratters]

thats normal. his career is important to make money for the kid! what if Lee doesnt play and Johnson takes a 5fer, Lee could be dropped!

Highly unlikely for Lee to be dropped even if had decided to skip this. He is among the top two bowlers for the Aussies right now and so even if 1 fast bowler did well, Lee would find his way back in.

 

[Pratters]

Tough choice to make and shows how seriously Lee takes his cricket. He is not a fringe player any more and so he could have decided to skip the match. He decided to not do it as it could have harmed the Aussie chances for the match at least.

 

[Dravid]

If Lees wife is cool with it, then I don't see a problem with it.

 

[Slow Love™]

Anyone can make whatever decision they like, as long as both partners are fine with it. Some women actually prefer their partners not to be in the room for the birth itself, depending on how neurotic or squeamish the guy might be.

Though I'm not exactly going to be challenged with this dilemma, I think I'd attend the birth. Mainly because things can go wrong or your partner might really need that support (even if they didn't think they did), and IMO it's better to be there. But l'm fine with whatever other people do on this one.

 

[Perm]

I daresay Lee would've discussed this for a long time with his wife who probably understood how much his cricket and the baggy green means to the guy. It's their decision and hopefully he made the right one, only time will tell.

 

[Goughy]

I would most definately attend the birth. I love my family far greater than cricket, my country, and teammates.

However, if both sides are comfortable with him playing then they can do whatever they want.

Im surprised that there is no mention of avoiding the issue by the birth being induced (as English cricketers have done) or a scheduled C-section.

 

[Pedro Delgado]

To me, cricket is important, but family is the most important thing in my life.

Am I missing summat here.

As SL said there might be complications, I'd be with the missus no question, then down the boozer with the lads to watch the Test.

 

[honestbharani]

yeah, as long as both partners are cool. But if he really wanted to be there and is missing it for his country, it says a lot about the man and his commitment.

 

[Steulen]

Speaking from personal experience, the birth of your first child is about as intense as life can get and you'd have to be an absolute nutter to give it a miss voluntarily.

 

[social]

If Lees wife is cool with it, then I don't see a problem with it.

You've never been married - "I'm cool with it" will come back to bite him

Where a child is concerned, work is so low down the scale it doesn't bear contemplating

 

[benchmark00]

Telecast the birth on the big screen, Bing can have a look while he's fielding at fine leg.