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.
Daniel Bradley
Roar Rookie
I think that it is quite clear that the English cricket team love hearing stories about dysfunction within the Australian cricket team. Remember India earlier this year where Watson, Johnson, Kuwaja and Pattinson were sent home because they didn't write about how the Australian cricket team can play better? Because of this, it caused a massive distraction and Australia lost 4-0 to India quite convincingly in the Border-Gavaskar Test series. The Ponting-Clarke feud shouldn't cause any serious issues with the Australian team but in fact in my opinion this has made the team united. In my opinion, there is no way that Shane Watson will ever be captain for Australia. Australia should look at players such as Steven Smith who even though he hasn't played any tests for the Australian main team but his leadership skills have paid off. Even though New South Wales haven't played well in the Sheffield Sheild and Ryobi Cup in the past, I think Smith's determination and skills should pay off for him to be captain. In fact, I think Watson should be considering retirement as he has had too many injuries for him to play consistent cricket.
Odyssey Sports
Roar Rookie
Yeah Bayman, it was a bit of a problem of happening at the wrong time, just before the ashes. Ponting as I said, has every right to say what he wants, and I won't view him any differently because of this, but the media just had to make a story out of nothing
Atawhai Drive
Roar Guru
The great Gideon Haigh has reviewed the book in the latest edition of The Spectator and has given Ponting's comments about Clarke the attention they deserve: not a word.
Bayman
Guest
Ben, I think you're right, it's a beat up. However, I should add that the idea Ponting should release his book 'five to ten years' down the track ignores the financial imperatives of his publisher - and Ricky, for that matter. Who would buy the book in five, ten year time? Somebody, certainly, but not as many as will buy it today. And if, as some suggest, Clarke is not so popular in the dressing room then it's difficult to believe any criticism of Clarke will impact adversely on the rest of the team. No, if we get beaten it will not be because of a book, even this book. As Michael will no doubt discover, the best time to publish his autobiography will be within weeks of his retirement - not five to ten years later.
Bayman
Guest
,,,just after you explain what 'two weeks' is. Warner reminds me a goldfish - I doubt anything that happened all of two weeks ago has any chance in hell of being retained in the memory.
Bayman
Guest
bigbaz, After reading about the English demands for the food to be served to their team during this coming series may I suggest that us having 'a bunch of soft cooks' may well bite us down the track.
Odyssey Sports
Roar Rookie
Can we use excuse No #144 as well, blame the media
Macksville Mauler
Guest
Just finished the book. Geeze the passage on Clarke was mild at worst. Loved hearing how punter and pistol reiffel got into a punch up aboard a flight!!
Hookin' YT
Guest
Yep, blame the book when we get flogged. Excuse No #143 is ready!
Hookin' YT
Guest
Ta, hung around tooooo many poms in my rugby, cricket and service days. RAF guys are just wicked :)
ChrisUK
Guest
Has to be a fake, the spelling is too good ;)
abbott1398
Guest
Has this Ben Homer guy even read the book?
Doug Graves
Guest
Not likely, If anything I'd say they've added some much needed intrigue to this ashes. Lets face it, we're probably going to get flogged 4-0 or thereabouts so anything to spice up the series will be welcome.
JGK
Roar Guru
http://i.imgur.com/lKv3J43.jpg
Odyssey Sports
Roar Rookie
Chris K, the only reason I brought it back up, was to find out everyone's opinion on the subject, I think the media's beat up has caused the issue, they got a sniff and made it sound a lot worse than it was.
ChrisUK
Guest
First you'd have to explain to Warner what a book is...
ChrisUK
Guest
Attila the Bingle is funnier.
Hookin' YT
Guest
Hell Mr Bingle is nice. Better than Captain Cancer which I've read elsewhere.
josh
Roar Rookie
Warner didn't slog this 100. Scoring quickly doesn't mean slogging. Maybe in your day; but not now.
James
Guest
you didnt forget about you just didnt care even a little bit haha