First Clarke had Watson and co. publicly humiliated and axed from the 3rd test. Now once it became clear to him (after the 3rd test) that Australia’re facing whitewash in the test series, he decided to miss the 4th test due to an (unexplained) sore back!!! or am I being too harsh on him???
Stand-in captain Watson has to face the music & he will have to do all the explaining now at the post match conference on day 5 as to why Australia was blanked in the test series
The 4-0 will now be registered against Australia’s name only
And they haven’t really helped their cause with another mediocre batting performance on the 1st day. 231/8 is below par on Indian pitches
re: 4th Test: India v Australia, Delhi - Clarke miyan bohat chaalak nikley!
yeah…however clarke does carry a chronic back problem..
but still I know what you mean…pretty obvious…and at the end watto is going to also have to answer to ACB about the whitewash…perhaps not a 10 page report now, rather a thick binder would need to be turned in…
re: 4th Test: India v Australia, Delhi - Clarke miyan bohat chaalak nikley!
All I was saying in regards to his claims of back injury are not new and it seems to be a chronic issue. That is the word on street, whether true or not is a different issue.
re: 4th Test: India v Australia, Delhi - Clarke miyan bohat chaalak nikley!
Harsh? I think you showing Vaaaleed level of maturity with that comment. (pun intended)
He is **NOT **from the country where someone ‘gets injured’ 6 months or so or couple serieses before world cups and team ends up losing to lesser quality teams and the ‘savior’ gets fit and leads the team into to world cup.
for example SL series/Sharjah cup in 1995 and AUS series /Zim series 1998…We also know what happened in those two (96 & 99) WC’s.
re: 4th Test: India v Australia, Delhi - Clarke miyan bohat chaalak nikley!
^ Call me cynical but I always knew that Clarke would miss the 4th test! :)
The Aussies are a professional bunch for sure but the recent embarrassing saga showed that not everything is rosy in their camp. Defeat brings out the worst in teams at times and it showed that they are no different. The matter should have been dealt with privately, rather than making a public example of the vice-captain (Watson) and three other players, encouraging ridicule from former captains, players and opponents. The task **(feedback is a good way of knowing what your players want etc.) itself wasn't unfair but the punishment for non-compliance was an absolute joke.** It did not fit the crime. Since Clarke has been in position of power he has fallen out and ended several players careers. It showed his darker/dictatorial side i.e. probably uses fear as a way to demand respect. There has to be discipline in the team but equally there are times when an arm around the shoulder is more suitable and effective. Or was he trying to divert from being punished by India? Besides you never put your team in danger to lose test. Dropping players is not going to make the Australian side stronger (who are average as it is)
re: 4th Test: India v Australia, Delhi - Clarke miyan bohat chaalak nikley!
The coach or manager is a Rugby player. Test cricket needs a more laid back approach. Cant be intense 24x7. Players need to be treated as adults. These are not born essay writers. They perform and train on the field. Coach and captain went on a power trip and looked for scapegoats.
Re: 4th Test: India v Australia, Delhi - Clarke miyan bohat chaalak nikley!
Can't believe Australia have been unable to negotiate average bowlers like Ashwin (29 wickets at 20.10) and Jadeja (24 wickets @ 17.45) in this series. India have had much better spinners than them in the past.
