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After the performances in the batting department in India, there seemed to a positive vibe about Australia’s Ashes campaign build-up.
England’s younger bowlers were struggling against a second string Western Australia line-up, George Bailey was smashing big scores innings after innings in India, Usman Khawaja scored a magnificent hundred in the Ryobi Cup final, and Mitchell Johnson returned to form.
Everything was going along normally for once… and then Ricky Ponting steps out and releases a book which has more or less thrown a hand grenade into the centre of the Australian cricket team.
His disparaging comments about Michael Clarke and endorsement of Shane Watson were, quite simply, unneeded. Ricky is entitled to his own opinion, although this was probably not the right time to reveal his thoughts.
Maybe when Clarke and Shane Watson had retired five to ten years down the track, and the simmering negativity between them had died down, he could release his book.
At least then it would not have a major impact on the Australian team, but now the Aussies are front and centre in the firing line, and Ponting’s comments will have a massive impact.
The younger players in the Australian team look up to Clarke, as their leader – the man who leads by example and the player they want to most be like.
Now Ponting’s scathing remarks have reduced the little credibility Clarke had, after previous dramas with Lara Bingle and the homework scandal in India.
In comparison, his glowing comments in relation to Shane Watson will cause confusion among the youth of the team.
Who do we support? Clarke or Watson?
And instead of focusing on the English players who have stepped onto out shores, they are wondering who their leader is.
England, by contrast, are united behind Alastair Cook. The Kevin Pietersen issues have been resolved long ago, and they come to Australia full of confidence, believing they can become the first English team to win four successive Ashes series since 1890.
The continual beat-up, argument and discussing of Ponting’s comments will have some impact on the Australian team as they prepare for the Ashes. Instead of focusing on the positives of the Australian team, the negatives have once again leaked out.
Like a poisonous oil spill gradually spreading through an ocean, Ponting’s comments will spread through the team.
The big question is, how will they deal with it?
Can they unite behind Michael Clarke, and stand by him through thick or thin? Or will the team implode and face four straight Ashes defeats?
Only time will tell.
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