Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 dismisses rumours of discontent
Australian batsman and vice-captain Michael Clarke has refuted reports of a possible crack within team morale and maintains that the atmosphere in the dressing-room is positive ahead of the Ashes.
He says his team-mates respect him whenever he is leading the side. The media has suggested the opposite, claiming that Clarke's position as Ricky Ponting’s replacement (as permanent captain) is in serious
doubt.
The Australian middle-order batsman spoke up following criticism over the side’s recent losses to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758. It was the visitors’ first ever ODI (one-day international) series win against the Australians
in Australia. Clarke’s reputation has taken another dent as leader, having already led the team in a one-day loss in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 and also a Twenty20 against Sri Lanka.
If reports in the Australian media are to be believed, Clarke's capability as a leader and his overall approach to the job [captaincy] has been directly questioned by a number of his teammates.
There seems to be a general buzz that some in the Australian team are in favour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Western-Australia-c865 skipper Marcus North taking over as Ponting's deputy in place of Clarke for the upcoming Ashes.
North rubbished reports of any such rebellion brewing within the team.
Clarke, speaking at at a sponsor's function, defended himself, saying, "As far as talks about the atmosphere in the dressing room are concerned, I am not the right person to answer it. You will have to
question the other guys in the team about it.
"However, on a personal note, I never got the feeling that the players have not supported me. In fact, I have always felt that I have been treated with utmost respect by all of them, every time I have
had the good fortune to lead Australia. I have enjoyed the challenge immensely and will keep doing so every time I get a chance.
"I loved captaining in the game on Sunday, when Ponting wasn't available. However, I also enjoy being a deputy to him (Ponting) as I get to learn so much."
He further stated that he was clueless about reports in the Australian media, where a public opinion poll picked all-rounder Cameron White as the player to succeed Ponting, White receiving 29 per cent
of votes to Clarke’s 28 per cent.
“All of us have a right to say what we want. It doesn’t bother me. What matters is that a person should be honest with himself. You cannot cheat yourself. Can you? Let people make their own decision. According
to me, right now our focus must be on improving our game as a team in all departments, and in all formats of the game. On that count, we are doing reasonably well, irrespective of the defeats. All of us are united and eager to have a good summer."
Betting advice
Putting the issue of captaincy and leadership to one side, there is no doubt that Clarke is a very good Australian batsman who will have an important role to play in the up and coming Ashes series.
Clarke holds a key position in the middle order and he's more than capable of scoring big runs when he is put under pressure early in an innings. Back him to score a century in any game unless it's clear
this issue is clearly playing on his mind.
A good outside bet will be Clarke to be top Australian run scorer over the course of the Ashes.
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