Michael Clarke: Don’t write England off, but their intent could backfire on them in Brisbane
England have copped their fair share of criticism since Perth and unless they adapt quickly to the favourable pink ball game, the visitors will be staring down a 2-0 hole, writes Michael Clarke.
Let me start by firstly acknowledging the passing of my good friend Robin Smith. To his family and friends, on behalf of all Australians, we send our love and support during this extremely tough time. Rest in peace Judge – you were a wonderful player and an even better man. I will miss you.
When I first went to Hampshire to play county cricket as a young kid, Rob was always there to help, support and guide me – especially through the times I found tough over there, living away from home.
Rob was always around the club, he was an absolute gentleman and such a gentle guy. So loving and caring.
He was very loyal to me. It’s devastating.
Now to the Test, and do not write England off. They have copped their fair share of criticism post the first loss in Perth, and rightly so. They were in a dominant position to push for victory in the first Test match of the summer, which in my opinion could have been defining for their summer.
What comes with criticism is a real purpose to prove people wrong. The second Test match in Brisbane could be an opportunity for England to play with zero fear as these conditions and a pink ball certainly favour Australia.
Australia’s pink ball record is better than any team in the world – 13 wins from 14 matches and there is no greater bowler with a pink ball than Mitchell Starc who comes into the second Test full of confidence after destroying England in Perth.
It is huge news that Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Test as his back has not recovered from Perth.
In my opinion, if Australia are to win this second Test in Brisbane and Travis Head, who will replace him at the top of the order, once again makes another hundred – I don’t think we will see Usman play another Test match for Australia.
I have no doubt his back must be extremely sore but he is giving someone an opportunity to come into this Australian team and fill his spot. There has been significant talk already about Travis Head staying at the top of the order after his unbelievable knock in Perth. If he makes another hundred I think it will be impossible to move him.
Usman is 38 years of age and I have stressed the importance of not losing three or four players to retirement at the same time. With an ageing Australian team, unfortunately this could be time for Usman.
The other thing about players when they get into their late 30s, they are normally held onto for big series or major tournaments (Ashes/World Cups). If Australia goes 2-0 up in this series, the hard work has been done and it could be the right opportunity for someone new and a little younger to lock down their spot.
I think Josh Inglis comes into the middle order and bats at number five. Josh is a superstar who has proven his worth in all three formats for Australia and has been biding his time patiently. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets his opportunity, if he makes another Test hundred. Josh has all the attributes that are required to be a long-term player at the highest level. I wish him well and I can’t wait to see him back wearing the baggy green.
Once again it’s very hard on Beau Webster as he has done absolutely nothing wrong but I would be selecting a speciality batsmen over an all-rounder for these conditions.
I think Australia go into this Test match full of confidence after fighting back in Perth. The Gabba and the pink ball are two things that dramatically push the scale in Australia’s favour.
I am always surprised when the first Test of the summer is not played at the Gabba, as the Australian cricket team’s record at this venue over a long period of time is phenomenal.
The day night test match has grown on me over time, I find it very entertaining. The time of start of play is extremely convenient for families watching on TV and I think it invites a new audience to Test cricket which is always exciting for the game.
Now back to the pink ball prince, Mitchell Starc.
What a lot of people don’t know about Starcy, is if he wasn’t bowling 145km/h from one end and then going down to fine leg for a breather before his next over, he could be one of Australia’s best slip/gully fieldsmen. He has unbelievable hands as he was a wicket keeper back in his youth and I’m always surprised, as rarely as it happens, when he drops a catch.
He has extremely athletic genes. Look no further than his brother who is a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Olympic high jumper.
But Starcy’s toughness and work ethic has always gone unnoticed. He trains as hard as any fast bowler I played alongside, I never saw him miss a gym or fitness session and the way he looks after his body to ensure he gets on the field is phenomenal.
To play 101 Test matches as a fast bowler is something every cricketer would respect. Only Glenn McGrath has played more Test matches (124) as a fast bowler for Australia but I have no doubt Mitchell will surpass Glenn.
To be able to achieve that in the current game, with three different formats and so much domestic cricket shows his dedication to playing for his country, particularly in this format.
Starcy showed in the first Test match that even in conditions that were not ideally in his favour, he has enough weapons and skill to still destroy any betting order.
Now here in Brisbane with a swinging pink ball, I would hate to be batting in England’s top four. He attacks the stumps from ball one, he bowls over 140km/h consistently and he handles the big stage and pressure moments like very few. If Mitchell Starc is currently not the best bowler in the world in all three formats, he is certainly in the conversation.
This will be a test for Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.
Intent is important, putting pressure on the opposition is important, backing yourself is important but England need to adapt and adapt quickly to ensure they are doing this the right way in these conditions against this Australian attack.
Driving balls on the up when you have just come to the crease is extremely risky at the Gabba as there is extra bounce and pace in this pitch. Playing off the back foot, attacking when you get width and being disciplined to look to punch straight down the ground off the front foot are the key fundamentals to starting your innings at the this venue.
This English team will come hard at Australia. Holding their nerve and being able to pivot and adapt is going to be crucial in this second Test.
Originally published as Michael Clarke: Don’t write England off, but their intent could backfire on them in Brisbane
English whipping boy hits back, cashes in on Aussie errors
