It's hard to pinpoint what motivates this criticism, perhaps jealousy. Clarke's public image which is at odds with the traditional Australian cricketer is a more likely motivator. Indeed Clarke is not the archetypal Australian larrikin like his mentor Shane Warne and one thinks he is more likely to drink a white wine than 52 cans of Fosters on the next flight to the UK. Also Clarke has been linked with a string of beautiful women and a much publicized engagement and break up with Lara Bingle, bought Ferrari's and Aston Martin's and appeared in a number of questionable Bonds commercials. However what cannot be questioned is Clarke's dedication to Australian and international cricket. Since he returned to the Australian set up after a brief sacking no one has worked harder on their game or dedicated themselves more to performing in the Test arena. While Mike Hussey, Ricky Ponting and countless others have endured lean spells in the Test arena in recent times not one has taken the massive leap of sitting out the lucrative IPL tournament to ensure they were primed for International duties like Clarke has. Clarke while admittedly not short of coin has deprived himself of potentially millions of dollars by refusing to particpate in any IPL season to date and ensured that he has time to refresh and recharge for Australia's overseas winter tours. In this calendar year that has certainly paid off plundering more Test centuries than any other Australian since this years IPL.
Furthermore Clarke's rapid ascent to International cricket and anointment as future leader along with his desire to assume the Test captaincy are often quoted in criticism's of Clarke. But his 150 on debut in tough Indian conditions, along with a century in his first Test in Australia and being the most successful Australian batsman in the famous 2005 Ashes series proves that Clarke deserved and earnt his baggy green. While he went off the tracks for a while he has resumed as the most reliable middle order batsman during the decline of Ponting and Hussey in the last few years. Anything to do with his non-participation in the hit and giggle format of the game perhaps?
And the line that Clarke was too hungry or wanted to be Australian captain too much. PUHHHLEASE!!!
What Australian kid doesn't grow up wanting to walk out onto the MCG as Australian captain? And who of us when asked would say we didn't want to captain our country? At times I feel Clarke is a little too honest in interviews. He answers all questions with a refreshing honesty and avoids the over use of cliches that ensure sportsman say nothing. At Hobart where he failed with the bat and the Australians crumbled he fronted up to Mark Taylor and said it's just not good enough as a batting unit. He chastised himself for his dismissal and assumed blame over last out Nathan Lyon. Compare that to Ricky Ponting's response to criticism from Shane Warne after a defeat in India. Warne blasted the field placements to Nathan Hauritz who at this point was establishing himself in the international arena against one of the best batting lineups ever assembled and undoubtedly the best players of spin on the planet. Ponting, the 150 Test veteran, threw Hauritz to the wolves by saying 'Nathan sets his own field' to protect himself. A cowardly act that best illustrates the difference in the approaches to leadership of the two men; Clarke deflects praise when the team wins and absorbs it when they lose, like any great leader should.
And to those that say Clarke doesn't score when Australia most need it his 151 of 284 against South Africa on a minefield of a pitch is as good any innings you will ever see. He got a gem in the second innings which happens from time to time, just ask Don Bradman in 1948. It is unrealistic to expect him to score ton after ton but three in his first nine Tests as captain is a pretty good record, particularly taking into account the pitches Australia have played on this year.
Everyone has an opinion but as always A View from the Top has the right one. Michael Clarke has long been a victim of tall poppy syndrome notorious in this country but I for one am an unabashed fan of Australia's Test Captain.