I can because I can

and you can't stop me. Being smug about things must be one of the ugliest of human conditions. We can win at cricket because we can and there is no-one to stop us. Ricky Ponting's snide backhander to the whinging pom about our gracelessness and arrogance. Winning an election in the face of an unelectable and hapless opposition. Picking a war using advanced space technology against an army clothed in joggers and throwing stones and Molotov cocktails. Foreign Minister Downer's being happy to look in to allegations by Australian Citizen Mr David Hicks about mistreatment. All good reasons to be smug I suppose. Smart-arse is how the smugness is perceived.
There is the drunk who doesn't know when to cut his losses. Ahh you're a loser mate. Smash goes the fist into his nose and blood spurts and leaks from his nostril. That didn't hurt - try again if you're game. Smash goes the fist into the mouth and blood and a couple teeth wobble out. I've got me pride - betcha can't beat me pride. Why bother? The drunk has already lost his pride. So why would Ponting want to lay the boot in? The merciful thing for England would be to forfeit. The gracious thing for Australia to do would be to field its 3rd Eleven. England were never going to win. To play a 3rd eleven is not an insult but an acceptance of reality. Why be smug?