So Michael Clarke says he'd do anything to help Australian Cricket recover from the recent ball tampering scandal that has engulfed the Australian Team, but should that extend to a return to the national team?
In my opinion, the answer has to be a resounding "No!" and here's why.
Australia can't move forward by going back. In my opinion, if Australia is to put this horrible saga behind us, then we need a fresh start. Tim Paine was installed as captain for the final Test of the South African series, and whilst the final score was unflattering, he needs to be given a chance to make his mark in the role. Bringing back a former Captain has the potential to undermine his confidence.
Secondly, it has been suggested in some circles, that declining culture of the Australian national team began under Clarke's watch. After all, who can forget the famous incident between Clarke and teammate Simon Katich. Is this the kind of disharmony a recovering team needs in the dressing room?
Finally, we need to unearth the future of Australian Cricket. There will no doubt be some short term pain, but we need to look at grooming the next generation of Australian cricket heroes, and we need to do this the old fashioned way. Reward consistent high level performance. Go back to needing to make a pile of runs or take swags of wickets in domestic cricket over a few seasons before being given a Baggy Green. We need to make sure that players that are in the national team, are playing in the Sheffield Shield when not on national duty. Finally a clean out at administration level of Cricket HQ wouldn't go astray either.
Whilst we appreciate the offer Michael, we must respectfully decline. Enjoy your retirement and let Australian Cricket recover naturally.
Sources:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/389333.html
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