Michael Clarke seized an opportunity to present himself as statesmanlike, and repair his damaged image as a leader, following the sixth one-day international against England on Wednesday.
With many fans, and some commentators, crying foul over Matt Prior’s appeal for bowled after knocking off the bail with his gloves, Clarke took the diplomatic line, saying Prior “was definitely not a cheat” and adding some words to the effect that it was a legitimate mistake.
Generous or opportunistic?
There was probably nothing to gain in Clarke joining the chorus of condemnation of Prior, and the situation certainly presented him with a chance to play the measured, mature leader, at a time when many are questioning his position as Test captain-in-waiting.
Seeing the incident live, it didn’t look good. Certainly Mark Nicholas questioned his actions in the immediate commentary.
As an international wicket keeper, Prior’s reflexes and ability to react quickly are exceptional. He would have known the ball did not dislodge the bail. After all it fell in front of the stumps.
I suspect he had a bit of a brain snap and tried to sneak a cheap wicket. A bit unsavoury, but no hanging offence.
He will no doubt be grateful to Clarke for his support. As will Clarke, for giving him a chance to redeem his reputation.
Vas Venkatramani
Guest
I think it's a diplomatic response, purely to put aside an issue that would otherwise have caused a greater stir. I've always thought Clarke was a better statesman than Ponting. His batting aside, his on-field leadership has been thoroughly impressive this series, in the face of a big injury toll and his own poor form to worry about. Put aside his primadonna image, he does seem to have a mental strength a lot of fans refuse to give him credit for.
Big Steve
Guest
Credit to Clarke. He played a great innings till he seemed to lose concentration in theblast few overs, then came out with comments that actually benefited the game. I thought Clarke had been poor all summer but maybe he is breaking out of his slump. On prior, his review of Johnson lbw/caught behind whihx turned out to be a wide was also pretty poor. I'm not saying he is beter or worse than other keepers, but he seems to have a few ofthese. Struggling with the bat too.