Bangladesh Shakib Al Hasan second from right celebrates Australian skipper Steve Smith-s wicket during first Test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur last Wednesday. Pic/Getty Images

Cricket-s a game that relies on timing. Australia-s cricketers could not have timed it any worse, succumbing to Bangladesh in Mirpur last week, coming hot on the heels of a protracted pay dispute that divided the nation. Not just in cricket circles but also in the corporate world, there is an ongoing national discussion about exorbitant executive salaries at a time when the average citizen is facing cost of living pressures and a growing sense of disenchantment with the privileged classes. Cricket is not the only sport answering awkward questions in relation to big dollar contracts and decreasing performances. Almost every football code in Australia is going through similar soul-searching periods, not helped by thumping on-field defeats and threats of strike action by millionaires playing sport.