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Homeworkgate, also known as homework-gate, refers to a controversial sequence of events that took place during the Australian cricket tour of India in 2013. Background Australia lost the first two Tests of the series, the second of them by a heavy margin: an innings and 135 runs. In this game, Australia became the first team in Test cricket to declare in its first innings, and then lose the match by an innings. With two Test matches left, the best Australia could hope for was a drawn series. Incident Before the 3rd Test, four Australian players - Shane Watson, James Pattinson (both of whom had played in the 2nd Test), Mitchell Johnson and Usman Khawaja (who were in the touring party) - were made ineligible for the match following a breach of discipline. Michael Clarke, the captain, revealed that the extreme step had been taken as a result of repeated infractions. Former players reacted with astonishment at the harsh decision taken by the team management. Vice-captain Watson returned to the tour, after he flew back to Sydney after being dropped. The incident referred to an assignment given by the head coach Arthur to the players asking them to give in writing ways to improve their performance to help the team. The aforementioned players did not submit their replies within the time stipulated and combined with previous incidents of team breaches they were suspended for one test each. Reaction The whole incident was criticized by former Australian Cricketers and Arthur was ridicule for his autocratic way of functioning. Watson flew before the third test to be with his wife who was due and came back to lead the side in the 4th test after Clarke was ruled out due to troublesome back injury. Johnson played the 4th test and had a very mediocre performance. Following the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy where Australia failed to win any match Arthur was removed and replaced by Darren Lehmann as the head coach of Australia.
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