While the national selectors have recently been criticised for their efficiency in communication, they were loud and clear about their views when releasing the latest Australian team.
Unfortunately for Ricky Ponting it is a line he probably doesn't want to hear.
Retirement is never nice for a hostile participant. The bitterness can erase much of the glory of past service.
The move by the selectors to dump Ponting from the national one-day team - thus ending his international limited overs career midway through a series - was blunt and brutal. It told everyone that Australian cricket is moving on.
Maybe Ponting didn't get the gist of what was in the selectors' minds a few months ago.
At 38 and with shaky form over the past two years it seemed obvious Ponting's days were numbered. There was a call for him to put the bat away after a strong finish to the Test series with India. It was the chance to go out on top. On his terms.
But if Ponting's reluctance to go forced the panel to make an unkind cut did he not deserve the opportunity to bow out with some more dignity by playing out a meaningless one-day series involving India and Sri Lanka?
Waiting for the right time to blood youngsters is a skill of selection. Making the decision to retire a champion who doesn't want to go and making sure the move is done with class must surely be an art form.
And that moves on to the next phase of the Ponting farewell tour. He wants to remain a Test player and go on the trip to the Caribbean next month.
However, if the selectors don't agree to that plan Ponting faces the prospect of a final public fall from the top.
For such a loyal and decorated servant of Australian cricket, Punter deserves better.
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