A few weeks ago, I spoke of my belief that Michael Clarke would emerge from the South Africa series and the Ashes with an enhanced reputation as our Test captain.
After what we saw in the First Test at the Gabba, I feel that I’m on even safer ground in holding that belief.
His innings was as good a ‘captain’s knock’ as you could ever hope for.
We all know the raw facts – coming in after his predecessor had been dismissed for a duck, the team at 3-40 after conceding a heap of runs and the best bowling attack in the world beginning to assert their authority, he partnered Ed Cowan to the opener’s maiden Test century.
He proceeded to pile on his own hundred and, when joined by the seemingly ageless Mr Cricket, set about dismantling the best bowling attack in the world.
Another double century – only Bradman and Ponting have scored three double tons or better in a calendar year before this – and amazingly his team played the final day of the match with the intention of winning.
It didn’t happen, but to borrow a word that Michael Clarke seems to employ a lot, they played with intent.
After day four he praised the intent that Mike Hussey played with, and then showed his own by taking seven runs off the first over of day five.
Again, late on day five, when almost everyone was resigned to the match petering out to a tame draw, he was alert and athletic enough to snatch a sharp, wide slips catch off Kallis for 49.
He still believed and, fielding with intent, led from the front to the very end.
The Australian team as a whole still has a few weaknesses and there is a lot of cricket to be played in this series. Anything could yet happen against high quality opposition.
But we couldn’t have hoped for a better contribution by the skipper, and the team should feed off that as the summer unfolds.
Self-belief is a vital ingredient for success in sport and Michael Clarke is helping his team to believe that they can achieve great things.
Warren
Guest
In the Sydney Morning Herald today, John Tuxworth keeps the discussion going about Michael Clarke's evolution to the captain's role, focussing on how he's won public support when that appeared unlikely a few years ago. {http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/bowled-over-by-pups-change-and-it-demands-an-apology-20121125-2a1t9.html}
Warren
Guest
Thanks for the comments, guys. Although I argued that Clarke should move up to #3, and still believe he'd do a great job if he did, I don't agree with the view that he can't be regarded as either a great batsman or a great captain if he stays at#5 in the order. Captaincy has never depended on where you batted. Border, Taylor, Waugh - they didn't bat #3. And there are many great batsmen other than our list of first drops. Alan Border, for instance, averaged more batting #5 than he did batting #4. Steve Waugh averaged 56 batting at #5. Other great players who spent a lot of their careers in the #5 slot included Viv Richards, Shiv Chanderpaul, Colin Cowdery, Doug Walters and Mohammed Azharuddin. I don't think any of them could be accused of 'hiding' when they took their stance after the fall of the 3rd wicket. There's still a lot of batting in a team's innings from that point on.
Johnno
Guest
Pup has played well this season no question.
Will
Guest
Still, why doesn't he take on the responsibility of batting at number 3? Will never be truly classed as a great batsmen while hiding at 5.
John S
Guest
Further to Sean's and Rhys' comments: well said indeed, Warren. And the pressures of captaincy sure do seem to be bringing out the best in "pup" - indeed, much more than one might have expected from someone who'd attracted this rather belittling nickname. (A pity he is stuck with this. Maybe we should push for an upgrade to something more appropriately tough, like Bulldog or Rottweiler?! Ha, ha!) Warren, this latest piece prompted me to re-read the earlier one to which you referred. I enjoyed it even more, and am delighted that Clarke didn't muck about, vindicating your faith!!
Rhys
Guest
I hope Captain Pup is 'marking his territory' differently to the way pups usually do. Clarke has grown in stature both as a leader and player in the 18 months or so since he assumed the captaincy. He's not only a fine tactician, but behaves in a manner which shows due respect to his role of Australian cricket captain. Long may he reign.
Sean McGettiagn
Guest
Well said Warren. I agree, pup is certainly marking his territory and hopefully will follow in the steps of long list of recent inspirational captains. Australia has been blessed with a string of incredible captains and lets hope Clarke continues in that tradition.