Michael Clarke hanging up the pads

[lemmon]

Deserves its own thread. I think he surprised a few with his grittiness when taking on the captaincy and his stately leadership upon the passing of Phil Hughes in what will remain his finest hour.

He perhaps didn't have the longevity of a Ponting or Waugh - I think a lot can be attributed to his back, but that two year run of form where he took the captaincy makes him the best batsman I've seen in the baggy green behind only Punter and he's easily the most tactically astute skipper I've watched.

Who'd have thought the flighty kid who didn't keep the ball on the ground and made 'easy runs' would turn into a player capable of what he did in Newlands, Adelaide, Sydney and Lords? Silk turned steel with the captaincy.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Michael Clarke hanging up the pads

His leadership on the passing of Phil Hughes should be his legacy. Sport is sport, but that was inspiring. Dumping Bingle was also a case of leadership and standards. I think he should buy Katich a beer and bury the hatchet as it seems that was a turning point.

Thanks for some great memories Mick.

[GVGjr]

Re: Michael Clarke hanging up the pads

An excellent batsman who eventually won over cricket supporters with his creative captaincy and his ability to score big 100's.
He should be very proud of his test career.

[Bornadog]

Re: Michael Clarke hanging up the pads

Shame to see his demise, but with injury plus losing Phil Hughes, we have seen a fast decline over the past 2 years.

His 2012 run of double centuries (3) was amazing as was his 329 v India.

I find it sad to see him go out this way.

[GVGjr]

Re: Michael Clarke hanging up the pads

Apparently he wants back in now. Thoughts?

[LostDoggy]

Re: Michael Clarke hanging up the pads

Apparently guys like Watson, Kallis, Pieterson, Sangakarra and the like are making way more out of the various local T20 comps than they ever made playing internationally. If that's his motivation, he could hardly be blamed.

The way he hobbled around the last couple of years, can't really see him surviving in the longer forms.

[GVGjr]

Re: Michael Clarke hanging up the pads

Apparently guys like Watson, Kallis, Pieterson, Sangakarra and the like are making way more out of the various local T20 comps than they ever made playing internationally. If that's his motivation, he could hardly be blamed.

The way he hobbled around the last couple of years, can't really see him surviving in the longer forms.

I originally thought it might have been a push back into the test side but I think you might be right that it could be more around the T20 comps

[LostDoggy]

Re: Michael Clarke hanging up the pads

I originally thought it might have been a push back into the test side but I think you might be right that it could be more around the T20 comps

From what I understand about his injuries, particularly the back related ones, it would really take some spectacular work by his medical team to get him back to being able to withstand first class match requirements.