Who will support Michael Clarke in rebuilding this team?

Australia could have their best team of the last 7 years in the next year and the likelihood of losing would still happen. Against India, Australia has won ONE series in the last 45 years, when Gilchrist led the team to that famous victory in the early part of the 2000s. England has also been a struggling team for us with one series win in the last four. No matter who is brought in, they won't change these facts above and while I wish them well, the form isn't with them in these tours.

I dont agree with you up about Shaun Marsh. I dont think he has the potential to be a test player. Has worse first class averages than Cowen and he's the same age 30. Mitch Marsh is a different issue. he's very young and seems to be producing some good performances as an all rounder. Yes I can see him competing with Maxwell for the all rounders position when Watson Calls it a day. As for Watson considering giving up bowling and concentrating on batting, it may work. His batting first class average is pretty good. But he's got up and coming batsmen and all rounders who are likely to out compete him. I think Watson, like Khawaja, has been poorly handled by selectors and now fear for his future as an all rounder or quality batsman. I can also still see a test batting future for Steve Smith. Without having to bowl he is beginning to show some fine batting performances.

Clarke has already proven himself a fine captain, in all facets of the role. This could be the opportunity for him to rise to the status of great captain. In some ways Clarke started his captaincy with a team in much better shape than the one Allan Border had to work with. Should Clarke meld a group of young and inexperienced cricketers into a world beating unit, his legacy will be great. It'll take 2-3 years but I believe he can achieve just that.

We haven't played many matches o/s since he became captain. He did also make a century in SL last year just before the SA series. I think his 151 against South Africa in Cape Town was the best innings he's played since he's been captain

Rotation policy has helped us to lift Jackson Bird and Mitchell Johnson. Now selector should rotate Ed Cowan with Usman Khawaja.

Mr. Cricket should play further cricket for one year. It is not right time for retirement. He is at top this time in his career. Australia needs Hussey for the tour of India and next two ashes series. I am very sad to hearing this shocking announcement.

And his home vs away scores? I notice he scored all his doubles at home and a 150 in SA. Must be careful not mix up "in good form at current moment" with him doing better because of captaincy. He is in that stage in his carreer and his age where a batsman is normally in his prime and have martured a lot. So time will tell

Let's look at world cricket. South Africa and England are the two best sides. It would be interesting to see how South Africa goes when Kallis retires. Their huge weakness is they have no spinner, yet are number 1 in the world. Kallis, as another bowling option has covered the weakness of not having a good spinner. Plus Kallis is a handy bat. England will still be a good side for a few years yet, but how long till KP causes another controversy. KP, while a fantastic batsman, he can be a fruitcake. Also how long can England rely on South African players? Other sides. Sri Lanka have a very old side, India are enigmatic. Strong at home, (although they lost to England) toothless away. Also they are going to say goodbye to Sachin very soon. Windies have some handy players, but are not strong as a team. NZ lack star players (small population). Pakis like India are enigmatic as well. Do we need to bother about Bangers and Mash? Does Zimbabwe still play test cricket? The point I'm making is take out England and South Africa, World cricket isn't really that strong. In fact, with people comparing this Australian side to the one where Border lead in the late eighties, world cricket during Borders time was much stronger than what it is today. For that reason, IMO, you'll start to see Australian batsman coming through.

Interesting post by Pies&Beer in the Ashes Squad thread. Khawaja captained Warner, Wade and Bird at U19 level and the Chairman's XI recently. He should be in the team from the New Years test on. I have a bad feeling the selectors are going to go shoulder-deep into Cowan and Bailey though.

I think we have the makings of a great team, it's a huge loss losing Mr Cricket, what a shock that was! There are some positives though Our bowling attack will be awesome if CA don't rotate them out of form Warner - I think will be one of the best openers we've ever had, he's still only young and he loves the game. Hughes - If he can get his head right and play the short ball has loads of ability Khawaja - Beautiful technique, will be a solid player for Aus for a long time Burns - Haven't seen him but has huge wraps Mitch & Shaun Marsh - bags of talent Wade/Paine - Two good keeper batsmen It's not all doom and gloom, in fact if everyone can get their heads right, this could be another golden era

Red Kev I agree Rather than saying that Huss retiring is bad for the team, I think it represents itself a great chance for someone else to step up and help support Clarke. And IMO, I reckon that is going to happen

I agree Sam Brown that Clarke is taking over an Australia similar to what Border took over. Young, inexperienced, no players yet in his class or experience. But such an opportunity to become known as one of Australia's great captains, if he get direct the development of his stable of young batsmen, bowlers and wicketkeeper. Potentially that stable, especially in the fast bowling area, has loads of potential. I can also see Warner, Hughes and Khawaja forming the new foundation of his batting line up. Perhaps with Burns a little later. Even Maxwell has the potential to be Watson's equal. And look at those young raw fast bowlers on the rise. I can see a year or two of struggling. I dont think they'll win in India or Britain. But I also think you'll begin to see the makings of a very good side over the next year or two that will in that short period be a match for any side. Just takes some common sense in selections (something seriously found wanting up to now) and perhaps a switch of coach...I'd consider Lehman. Directed properly and Clarke by the time he retires will be considered up there with the best captains as well as batsmen.

It is a good test of Clarke's leadership to be able to inspire the young guys to step up. Warner, Wade, Hughes and Khawaja all need to step up, good opportunity for them.

Geez but who got Clarke left? Only himself and the pacers. The batting still look green. I feel sorry for him and the huge task he has infront of him. Great player and hopes all goes well.

The youngsters such as Warner, Hughes and Khawaja will have to realise that they are not simply batsman but also future leaders and step up.

I actually see Clarke a bit like Border in this team, he is just that much better than the other batsmen and is always there at 5, ready to pick up the pieces when the rest of the top order collapses.