12.12.07
Herald Sun - Pup is next in line
He’s good at it and should be the next captain after Ricky Ponting. Lock it in, Eddie, no need to phone a friend.
When you win the toss, hit the first ball you face for four and win the match in your first game as national skipper, you would have to think it’s not a bad start. Clarke has the image, flare, confidence in his own ability, respect for the game, and respect from his teammates, which has been earned. He knows himself, understands his own game and is hungry for success. There is a long way to go until Ricky, who is the best batsmen in the world right now, gives it away.
And there is a lot that can happen between now and then. But Clarke is settled in his life at the moment. Off the field with girlfriend Lara Bingle, and on the field, he’s in a good space. Feeling fresh, prepared, and happy is what performing at top level sport (or business) is all about. So to me the next logical step is to groom him. The best way to do that would be to elevate him to the vice-captaincy in all forms of the game. Gilly has done a wonderful job but won’t be around for too much longer.
I reckon he will hang the gloves up and decide to play only one form of the game, probably Test matches. That would mean “Pup” could learn about the other issues involved away from the field and attend meetings with Cricket Australia, have input with Ricky about selection – to be there if Ricky wants to bounce some ideas around, and support the skipper. He can also get a feeling around the group if something’s not right. Being VC is an important role. You get around the group and make sure everyone is OK – you’re a sounding board for some players.
Pup is an extremely thoughtful and perceptive person.
Gilly, I’m sure, would endorse the decision and be 100 per cent supportive of it.
The other contender, Mike Hussey, could do it but is in the same age bracket as Ricky.
Really, why look for others and a reason not to make Pup captain? To me he is a stand out.
I also think he should captain New South Wales whenever he gets the chance, even if it is for just one or two games a season.
The way international cricket is scheduled these days makes it hard for young blokes like Pup to cut their teeth as captain of their state.
All the more reason to get him into the system to learn under Ricky with the national team.
Yes, he is one of my best mates, but that does not influence my decision.
Leadership at a young age can sometimes go to your head, and there are plenty of examples of that in many sports, but Michael has matured and is ready for the next step.
He will blossom with the added pressure.
The way he has played this season, you can see him developing very quickly in many ways.
The way he prepares, the way he conducts himself on and off the field and the way he bats all lead to the top of the tree for the young maestro.