Michael Clarke is widely acknowledged as one of the best Australian captains of all time, and is one of the most committed cricketers I know. His respect for the baggy green cap stood out from his first Test match itself. In the second part of this extensive conversation, Clarke talks of two under-pressure batting units, how Rishabh Pant could be key, and his views on Gautam Gambhir’s comments.
Boria: Is this a case of two underdone batting units? Australia haven’t looked too convincing either and India had a nightmare against New Zealand.
Clarke: I don’t think the batting units will have an issue. There is a lot of talent in both teams and there are batters who have held the No. 1 rank in the batting charts. At the Shefield Shield [level], the ball moves around more. It is how the wickets are prepared. At times, batting is more difficult than at the Test level and I don’t think you will see too much movement. The weather is expected to be good, and after lunch, batters will fancy their opportunity. That’s why I’d say you will see good batting from both sides over the five-match series.
Boria: When we are on batting, the one batter we are all looking at is Rishabh Pant. His comeback is a story for the ages and he has been a fantastic player for India in red-ball cricket.
Clarke: I actually said this on my radio show here in Australia, that Rishabh Pant has the technique and the ability to bat in the top four for India. I have no doubt he will get a lot of runs at No. 5 or 6, but he also has the game to bat in the top four against quality fast bowling. If India are to win the series, Rishabh will score may be the second-highest runs after Virat Kohli. He is a dangerous player and a very good one for India. He has had success in Australia before, and will not be afraid to take [Nathan] Lyon on. That’s what will give him an edge.
Boria: As a leader and captain, how do you look at Jasprit Bumrah? In Rohit’s absence, he will have to lead and lead well.
Clarke: He is the best bowler in the world at the moment across all formats. When you are in the best zone as a player, you will also lead well. He wants to be there, is keen to take on the challenge, will come hard at Australia and is surely one who will be ready. Make no mistake, Rohit will be missed. It is but natural. But Jasprit Bumrah is a very good cricketer and I don’t think he will have problems.
Boria: Finally, I am sure you have followed the exchange between Gautam Gambhir and Ricky Ponting. What’s your assessment of Gautam Gambhir as coach of India?
Clarke: I have tremendous respect for Gautam. He was a tough cricketer and I enjoyed playing against him. You need such men in the change room, for they will not back down. Rahul Dravid was a fantastic coach and also won the World Cup for India. Gautam has big shoes to fill, but please give him time. For any coach, it will take time to get used to the change room and to the team.
Gautam has just taken over and the pressure in India is immense. You need to give him time to get used to the job. That’s only fair. In sport, wins or losses are part and parcel of the job. But with Gautam, you will get complete commitment to the job. That’s what he was like as a player, so like I said, you should give him a little time to get going on the job. The next one year will define him as coach.
Also watch:
“He is a fierce competitor. Give him time” Clarke on Gambhir | Live updates from Perth. https://t.co/ILFr2iFfpp
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 19, 2024
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You can read part 1 here.