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Michael Clarke is a true leader

30th November, 2014
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Michael Clarke's performance was bad, but was it bad enough to cancel his citizenship? (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
Roar Guru
30th November, 2014
37
2006 Reads

Leaders are appointed for many reasons.

In some fields, such as sales, hitting targets and outperforming others is rewarded with a management position. Others end up in charge by virtue of a surname, such as Packer or Murdoch.

Sometimes, leadership is thrust upon an unwilling recipient, mostly due to the lack of a better option.

The most rare and valuable leader, however, is the person who not only performs under pressure, but also demonstrates their value in a time of crisis, tragedy or disaster.

An individual who can stand strong in the face of great personal grief following the tragic death of a teammate and best friend deserves our recognition and acknowledgement.

Michael Clarke is an oft-maligned figure in Australian sport. Too soft, too glamorous, arrogant and self-centred are but a few labels the Australian media and public have been willing to brand him with during his career. While his feats at the crease have been impressive, we knew little of him as a man.

Like many, I have been dismissive of a Clarke’s leadership capacity at times, despite his incredible performances with the bat in recent years, and the fact I know absolutely nothing of him as a person and how he is viewed in the Australian dressing room. It is easy to be influenced by public perception and tabloid reporting.

Watching Michael struggle to read a statement on behalf of the team through tears changed my perception of him forever. Adversity builds character, something Clarke already has in spades. Throughout the darkest week in Australian cricket history, almost every media report has mentioned the incredible support Clarke has provided to the Hughes family as they grieved the loss of a son and brother.

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This is where we see the measure of the man. At a time when he was struggling to come to terms with the shocking loss of a best friend and teammate, Clarke was thinking of others. True leadership starts at this point.

While former players and fans continued to debate whether the first Test should go ahead as scheduled, and the media began an inevitable discussion about the quality of protective headwear and the merit of bouncers in cricket, my eyes were on Clarke.

Standing firm as captain and spokesman for the Australian side during this incredibly difficult time brought to mind past greats, such as Allan Border and Steve Waugh. A rock for teammates and the Hughes family, straddling the line between captain and friend, Michael has held firm, and reinforced his credentials as a true leader.

While his back may only allow him a few more years of Test action, Australian cricket will continue to benefit from the outstanding leadership and character of Michael Clarke. It is difficult to know how a grieving team will be able to overcome the tragic loss of their young friend and teammate, but Clarke will certainly play a vital role in leading the side through this harrowing time.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Hughes family and the Australian cricket community. Rest in peace, Phillip.

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