On the face of it, there’s nothing significant about Ricky Ponting giving up playing international T20 cricket. After all, he couldn’t be arsed showing up for the first 4 ODIs in England (by which time his side will probably have an unassailable lead anyway), so why wear himself out on hit-and-giggle cricket?
But think about it. This is the first sign that the old order is changing, and it might be to Australia’s advantage. Since the Chappell/Yallop/Hughes era of Packer-inspired confusion, Australia have liked to have their captaincy succession clearly set out well in advance. The only one in line to take over from Border was Taylor and the only one in line to replace Taylor was Waugh.
Ironically, the last time things were anything less than clear cut was when both Warne and Gilchrist blotted their copybooks and let Punter himself in.
But look at the list of names above. None of them are as in love with the limelight as Michael Clarke is. And how the hell can anyone gain respect as a captain when the whole world knows them as ‘Pup’?
On the other hand, of the list above, only three players have improved their overall international record as captain. Chappell and Border are two of them, but the other one is Clarke.
Which makes you wonder if the time for the Ponting style of captain, the scowling, emotionless (unless faced with Gary Pratt) leader, is at an end. There’s been no sign of Clarke being a tactical genius, but the way he behaves in the field, both admonishing and laughing at himself, might be the way forward for this new generation of Aussie cricketers. After all, Ponting hardly got the best out of them or himself this summer. Might it be time for him to hand over the reins altogether?
Brad Hodge is on record as expecting to be the next Australian captain
August 15th, 2013
Michael Clarke, formerly known as “Pup”, has officially announced his retirement from all forthcoming Five In, Five Out matches. Michael, 32, has been suffering from rectal prolapse disorder on his arrival at the crease throughout the recent Ashes series, and it speaks volumes that he managed his 327 runs @ 45.08 whilst wearing support nappies and a helmet catheter attachment.
Michael’s many fine moments on a cricket field, his valiant 8 not out in the World 20/20 final against India in 2011 when a Bengali tiger brought onto the field for half time entertainment chewed off his favoured left hand was a notable act of bravery. His man management of the born again Christian Luke Pomersbach will not be forgotten easily. He also guided Philip Hughes through his troubling holographic pornography addiction of last year.
Michael will retire to spend more time with his wife Lara and his three children. England’s captain Stuart Broad and India’s captain Piyush Chawla were glowing in their praise of his glittering Five In, Five Out career.
So is his mum.
Its a dog eat dog world… Pup can get lucky there. No dog would want to be known for taking the piss out of a puppy !! he can get lots going his way.. only if crab Kato announces his retirement.
J,
Methinks you rambles.
Clarke can’t be captain, he’s got shit written all up his arms.
Switch Hit on cricinfo said his strike rate for ODI’s is 67 in the last 2 years.
And he’s gonna be set in cement for the 20/20′s as well. RIP Aus short form cricket. Sheesh.
But he can take the piss out of himself luckily.
Michael clarke is a moron!. Hey he got laura bingle what you got?.
Andrew symmonds would have been captain if he stopped drinking. Oh well another few years bad aussie team until some new blood comes in.
First sign? (they’ve been in a cultural freefall for two years now)
Only one in line to take over from Border? (the interviews with the big four are part of Australian cricket folklore)
Emotionless? (Sydney-gate – and many other public spats – occurred because Ponting is too emotional)
These are the three most incorrect statements I have ever seen on this blog. In one article, Skiver!
Impressive.
Two words…
nathan and hauritz…
You know it makes sense.