Michael Clarke quits T20 Cricket in a bid to resurrect his test career
Fresh from the mauling the Ashes series in the last test match at Sydney, the Aussie captain Michael Clarke has decided to quit the shortest format of the game T20. Clarke who was the captain of the national team in the format since 2009
made the announcement after the fifth and final test ended in a crushing defeat for his team; he was captaining the side for the first time in the longest format of the game.
Clarke believes that quitting the instant format would help him regain his touch in the longer varieties where he has struggled of late.
"I'm retiring from international Twenty20 cricket," Clarke said. "I guess, looking back on this series, my Test cricket isn't where I want it at the moment. This gives me the opportunity to focus wholly and solely on Test cricket and one-day
and to use that time to play more domestic or first-class cricket for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-South-Wales-c823 and become a better Test player.
"For me, I've always said Test cricket is the ultimate for me. This gives me that opportunity. In saying that, obviously my T20 performances haven't been that great, which made the decision that much easier."
The stylish middle order batsman had a decent run as captain of the Australians; he was at the helm of 18 T20 international matches winning 12 times.
His retirement from the format means that the Aussies would have a new captain in the two Twenty20s against England which will be played next Wednesday and Friday. The two matches would be followed by a series of seven ODIs beginning at
the MCG on January 16.
In http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120’s absence Cameron White would take over the reins of the team in the crash, bang and wallop format. The under pressure chairman of selectors, Andrew Hilditch, said White was ready for the leadership of Australia:
"Cameron White has been named as captain of the Twenty20 team and Tim Paine vice-captain," Hilditch said. "We are confident that they will provide outstanding leadership for what is a very exciting Twenty20 team."
He also confirmed that wicket-keeper Brad Haddin is on the side-lines as the selectors feel Tim Paine is more suited for the role in the shorter formats.
"Brad Haddin hasn't been picked in the side, he's obviously disappointed, but the reality is we need to take opportunities from time to time to look at other players. We think Tim has big future, we're keen to give him leadership experience
as well, which we're doing in the Prime Minister's XI game and this Twenty20 squad. Brad is still our No. 1 keeper in all forms of the game, but at this particular moment the right thing is to look at Tim Paine”.
Meanwhile the rest of the squad consists of the same players that played in the format last year for the 2010 World Championship finalists. The sole newcomer in the squad is Aaron Finch who is a potentially explosive batsman that the selectors
have high hopes from.
The T20 team also includes pace man Shaun Tait, hailed as the fastest bowler in international cricket currently; the right arm slinger has had a tough run due to a spate of injuries which have reduced him to the shortest format lately.
Another seasoned fast bowler Brett Lee who was one of the most potent bowlers in the game a couple of years ago is in the mix, the Aussies would be hoping that he shows requisite fitness and form that can win him a place in the 2011 World
Cup next month.
Only three players who took part in the Ashes would be seen in action in the two match series, these include Shane Watson, Steven Smith and Mitchell Johnson
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/James-Pattinson-c1653, Shaun Tait.
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