Australian cricket selectors may have re-iterated their faith in Michael Clarke by naming him in the team for the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand, an online poll shows 57.64 per cent of respondents feel the current vice-captain does not deserve to take over when skipper Ricky Ponting calls it a day.
Australian cricket selectors may have re-iterated their faith in Michael Clarke by naming him in the team for the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand, an online poll shows 57.64 per cent of respondents feel the current vice-captain does not deserve to take over when skipper Ricky Ponting calls it a day.
As feelings ran high in certain quarters, a letter in a Sydney newspaper said: "You've become a handbag to this self-centred princess (Lara Bingle), while another quipped: "Maybe he's come home to help her pack and get the keys back?"
It is unclear to what extent Clarke's present personal problems involving model Lara Bingle have influenced the result.
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Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle in Melbourne last month |
However, his decision to abandon the tour midway on Monday night to be with his girlfriend as she prepares to initiate legal action against a former lover responsible for passing on her nude pictures to a woman's magazine has attracted criticism in cricket circles, with former Test players Ian Chappell and Mark Waugh questioning whether he was fit to take over.
As rumours swirled last night that the couple had called off their engagement, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch backed the heir apparent saying he was satisfied with the way Clarke was handling the issue.
"From our perspective Michael is taking leave. We're very happy with how that's been handled and I would say his priority is right where it should be," Hilditch said.
With the first Test starting in Wellington on March 19, it is unclear whether Clarke will play but sources close to the 28-year old say he is desperate to return to the Test side, especially with his credentials as a future Test captain being seriously questioned.
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh yesterday said Clarke's future with the team and as captain should be judged by his performance and not off-field dramas.
"I hope it doesn't affect his captaincy, I don't think it would," he said.
