Cricket World Cup 2015: former Prime Minister Bob Hawke offers words of wisdom to Australia camp

FORMER Prime Minister Bob Hawke dropped in on Australia’s training session to offer some words of support, reserving special praise for captain Michael Clarke.

Cricket trainings

BOB Hawke and Michael Clarke. The former Prime Minister, and the man they say holds the second most important office in the country.

As a former wicketkeeper for the University of Western Australia, and a regular beer-swilling patron of the SCG outer, Hawke knows plenty about cricket.

And after a summer of drama, Clarke knows his fair share about politics as well.

Bob Hawke talks with the Australian players. pic. Phil Hillyard

On Monday, Mr Hawke paid Australia a visit at the SCG nets and told players he “expects” World Cup glory come Sunday.

And he reserved unprompted praise for Clarke’s captaincy credentials.

While the larrikin in Hawke recognised he and the skipper may share vastly different levels of “effusiveness”.

The leader in him endorsed Clarke as among the very best.

Hawke spent plenty of time in Allan Border’s change rooms back in the late 1980s but said the Australian team is as strong as it’s ever been under Clarke.

“Captain Michael Clarke, he’s not an effusive fellow, but he has the confidence of his team and personally, I think he’s been absolutely remarkable,” said Mr Hawke.

“The way he’s fought back over his injuries, he’s very much respected for that.

“The relationship between the players, just listening to them and watching them, with each other impressed me very much indeed.

“I think it’s as good as it’s ever been.”

When it comes to national celebrations, it seems Mr Hawke has softened his stance, if not his expectations.

The former Prime Minister addressed Australia’s cricketers ahead of their blockbuster semi-final against India, and issued a winning ultimatum.

Hawke meets Steve Smith during Australian training pic. Phil Hillyard

But stopped short of reprising his famous line from the America’s Cup triumph of 1983, that “Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum.”

“I think for this one they can turn up for work,” said Hawke yesterday.

“But they shall enjoy it.”

It was an unusual sight at Australian training yesterday as the 85-year-old’s black car rolled through the Alan Davidson SCG gates and pulled up outside the nets.

Mr Hawke made his way to the players’ tent, told a fishing joke not appropriate for print and encouraged Australia to “go for it” against India.

He likes what he sees.

“We’ve got a good side, a very good side,” he said. “Our batting is very good and it’s an exciting bowling line-up. Those fast bowlers — what an array of quickies.

“About 10-foot tall each of them.”

Asked would he have played the pull shot against them, Hawke quipped: “60 years ago.”

“I just wish them luck but I’m very impressed by the camaraderie of them all.”

After everything that’s happened this summer, it was an important observation.

When the players take to the pitch on Thursday, Mr Hawke will be away in China.

But there won’t be so much camaraderie going on out in the middle.

“I think there always is (niggle) in the game, if there isn’t you’ve got problems,” said Faulkner. “It’s the nature of the game, it’s a semi-final. It’s cut-throat.

“There’s going to be words said and it’s going to be a really tough contest. Neither team will be backing down.”