Australia v New Zealand: Michael Clarke ready to step up for Cricket World Cup clash
IT’S backs to the wall for Michael Clarke against New Zealand - but most of his greatest moments as a cricketer have come in circumstances like these.
Cricket World Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket World Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
IT’S backs to the wall for Michael Clarke against New Zealand, and not for the first time in his career.
Big moments have been thrust upon the Australian captain in varied forms over the years, and more often than not Clarke has made a habit of rising to meet them.
The skipper has dominated headlines for the entire summer.
There’s been the hamstring that’s stopped a nation, and the tension that’s played out in the Australian camp behind the scenes.
TEAM SELECTOR: PICK YOUR AUSSIE WORLD CUP XI
FIVE GREATEST AUSTRALIA-NZ ODI CLASHES
WATSON TO BAT ON AFTER LOSING MATE
Clarke has faced far more important challenges before, not least of all the last time he took to a cricket field in national colours in Adelaide.
But as far as his career is concerned, Saturday at Eden Park could be the biggest test of them all.
Clarke admitted before surgery that his career could be in jeopardy.
Now the pressure is on to stay fit and perform.
“I’m ready to go,” Clarke said on Friday.
Because physically he feels he’s done everything he can, and mentally he knows he’s done it before.
Amid all the drama, it’s easy to forget what Clarke and his teammates achieved the last time he played an international.
Returning just days after the funeral of Phillip Hughes, Clarke’s body was crumbling, but his mind stayed willing.
He pulled off an unforgettable 128 against India in Adelaide that captivated the nation.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum hasn’t forgotten who Australia is welcoming back.
“Michael Clarke is the leader of the Australian team,” McCullum said.
“During tragic circumstances around Phil Hughes’ passing, we saw how strong a leader he is.
“The way he carried himself and spoke on behalf of the team – that earned him adulation and respect from not just Australian people but also people around the world.
“We were certainly in awe of how he was able to control that and handle himself during that time.
“He’s very much the leader of that team. We’re respectful of that and I think they are strengthened by his inclusion.”
Back in 2010, the last time he toured New Zealand, Clarke returned home mid-tour under extraordinary circumstances to end his engagement to fiance Lara Bingle.
Having been splashed over every newspaper and gossip magazine in the country, the then vice-captain returned to duty and blasted an inspirational 168 against the Black Caps in Wellington.
On Test debut a 23-year-old, blond-tipped Clarke made a stunning 151 against India in Bangalore – illustration of his ability on the big stage.
That’s why selectors gave Clarke every chance to get himself right for this World Cup, because it’s the big players that invariably prove the difference.
The morning of the 2007 World Cup semi-final against South Africa, Clarke discovered his father, Les, had been diagnosed with cancer.
He went out and made an unbeaten 60, one of four fifties he made in the tournament won by Australia at an average of 87.2.
Last year in South Africa, having gone 11 innings without a half-century, Clarke fought through a fractured shoulder to make a series-winning and No.1 ranking-clinching 161 not out in Cape Town.
There’s the 141 he made against New Zealand in Brisbane in 2004 – his first Test on home soil.
The big centuries he posted in the 2006-07 Ashes series after returning from being dropped earlier that year.
On all those occasions, the heat was on Clarke, yet as the big game players do, he rose to the occasion.
Of course that bank of heroics may not save Clarke this time.
He is well aware that hamstrings and chronic back injuries can go at any time, even after an intensive rehabilitation.
The past 12 months is proof that the 33-year-old has struggled to stay on the park for consecutive matches.
“It doesn’t guarantee I’m not going to get injured again,” said Clarke.
“But the confidence I have in my body is because of the work I’ve put in.”
‘Not the finished product’: Konstas handed reality check
Australia could challenge more than a century of Test match tradition this year, and selectors are giving boom rookie Sam Konstas no guarantees.
Report Card: Australia forced to confront awkward Maxi question
A competitive Champions Trophy exit was a reasonable return for an undermanned team. But there are plenty of questions to be asked ahead of the 2027 World Cup, writes Ben Horne.