2013年07月23日
Ashes won't define me: Clarke
The Ashes has stood tall as the pinnacle of Australian cricket for well over a century, but Michael Clarke says he won't be defining his own career by what unfolds over the next six weeks in England.
Clarke understands that critics and the history books are likely to judge his captaincy on his success or failure against the old enemy.
But the 32-year-old is adamant he won't let the memories of his career be dictated by the results of the back-to-back Ashes series to come, starting with the first Test at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.
Clarke attempted to play down the widely held belief in Australia and England that the Ashes is more important than any other contest in international cricket.
The skipper emphasised that Ashes hype and the effect it has on careers is more relevant for fans than players.
"Unfortunately, there's times you don't make runs, the team doesn't win and the captain is accountable for that. I completely understand that. But I don't feel like this will be the make or break of my legacy as an Australian cricketer," Clarke said.
"I feel that the legacy you leave as a cricketer is what you do through your career - the ups and downs, the journey along the way.
"I understand the perception, especially as captain, that if you have success here, you might get recognised as a better captain than if you fail.
"But because we win this series, I don't automatically become a good captain. I don't think that's right lace and embroidery.
"... I'm no more disappointed if we lose the first Test against England than if we lose the first Test against South Africa or India. And the excitement when we win will be no different."
Perhaps the skipper is trying to take pressure off his young side, or himself, with Australia staring down the barrel of a third straight Ashes series loss for the first time since the 1950s.
However, it will be interesting to see whether England interpret his comments as bluff or perhaps a sign of fear, after their captain Alastair Cook took the opposite stance.
Cook says the Ashes can define careers and believes it's up to players to deal with the fact that playing on this stage is bigger than anything else.
"I think they're the biggest Test matches we can play," Cook said.
"It's not the be all and end all (but) ... I think it can define a career.
"The external pressure, the hype, there is more media interest and more interest in the country in general. Players who are aware of that and can deal with that (will be successful)."
England's side will feature zero surprises and will double their counterparts for Ashes caps.
Typically, Cook believes the big-time experience will favour his side, while Clarke is confident it won't be a factor.
The Australians have deliberately tried to keep England guessing with their final XI.
Peter Siddle is favoured to combine with James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc as the fast bowling attack, while Ed Cowan and David Warner are tipped to fill the jigsaw pieces in the batting order.
Opposing spinners Graeme Swann and Nathan Lyon are expected to be more important at Trent Bridge than in years past, with the wicket dry and the weather likely to be warm.
Australia likely: Shane Watson, Chris Rogers, Ed Cowan, Michael Clarke (capt), Phil Hughes, David Warner, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon
England likely: Alastair Cook (capt), Joe Root, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Steven Finn, James Anderson
Posted by amusement at 17:04│Comments(0)
│記事