Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes that if the country's cricket administrators are looking for a player who has an impeccable record to be appointed captain, then the Australian Test team will be without a captain for the next 15 years. His statement has come about the Tim Paine controversy. Cricket Australia is looking for a new captain after Pan had stepped down as captain after it was revealed that he had sent an objectionable message to his colleague. Fast bowler Pat Cummins is at the forefront of becoming the captain. Apart from him, former captain, Steve Smith is also in the race.
Michael Clarke said that Ricky Ponting also became one of Australia's best captains after a wrong start to his career. He said in 'Big Sports Breakfast', "Even Ricky Ponting has been a great captain in my time. Had that been the case, he would never have been able to captain Australia.
Ponting had a bad start too: Clarke
Clark said, "They fought at Bourbon & Beefsteak (nightclub). There were punches. Is this why you don't delegate the responsibility to them? He is a wonderful example. He has shown you how time, experience, maturity, playing at a high level and even captaincy changed him."
'Unnecessary cannot be expected from the captain'
Clarke admitted that the Australian Test captain needs to set high standards. But if unreasonable expectations are placed on him, then very few options will be left. Of course, he said, "You have to maintain some standards, but are you going to say 'He can change, he can mature'. Where is the players' support? (If you want a spotless captain) You will look for a captain for 15 years. We will not have a captain."
Why did PAN step down over the 2017 incident?
Clarke said he is confused as to why Tim Paine left his post over the 2017 incident. He said, “I did not understand this. If Cricket Australia told him there was no alternative, he should have said you can sack me. Because I gave you this information four years ago. I was honest and I was declared clean."
