Michael Clarke hits back at ‘too old’ criticism ahead of first Ashes test

THE Ashes cold war has heated up with Michael Clarke hitting back at criticism from Aussie Jason Gillespie and ex-England spinner Graeme Swann.

Michael Clarke

THE Ashes cold war has heated up with Australian captain Michael Clarke hitting back at criticism from his former teammate Jason Gillespie and ex-England spinner Graeme Swann.

Speaking out for the first time since arriving in the UK ahead of the first Test which starts in Cardiff on July 8, Clarke told Gillespie to “join the queue” of critics who had targeted him personally.

Gillespie, now coach of English county side Yorkshire, described the Australian side as “Dad’s Army” and said Clarke had a “glass back” in an interview with a British journalist.

While brushing aside the reference to his chronic back complaint with an offhand, “that’s probably true”, Clarke was obviously hurt that criticism of the team had come from a former Australian Test player.

“Jason is entitled to his opinion, join the queue,” he said. “I’ve copped criticism my whole career so it’s not surprising to me. There’s a long list of people that’s criticised this team, that’s for sure, so we might just add Dizzy to that queue of people we continue to prove wrong.”

Earlier Swann had taken aim at Australia’s world number one ranked batsman Steve Smith, saying he lacked the intimidation factor of past Aussies such as Steve Waugh, Matt Hayden or Adam Gilchrist, and that his technique would be found out in English conditions.

“I still don’t think he’s got a great technique,” Swann said of the batsman who has averaged 102 over the past 12 months. “Weakness will emerge. I don’t think he’ll score runs at three (in England) if it’s swinging.”

He also said the England batters should not be worried by Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, “because he’s just so lovely, isn’t he?”

Clarke downplayed the comments.

“I reckon Swanny’s a beauty,” he said. “I’ve always liked him; I’ve always enjoyed playing cricket against him. I’m sure he’s just trying to get under the skin of a few of the players. It’s not what you say, it’s what you do.”

Given that, Clarke made it clear there would be plenty more words — and actions — before the series is over.

Asked about a report that hot-headed batsman David Warner was planning to keep his mouth firmly shut through the tour, Clarke said he would leave that up to the player — but if any of the Australians felt comfortable sledging the opposition, he would not stop them.

“As captain of Davey Warner I can guarantee that I have never asked him to sledge anybody,” he said. “The environment I create around this group is that I want players to play the way they feel they can play their best cricket.

“For me for example, being sledged or sledging someone else has never really affected me. I’ve just copped it, and it’s never helped me if I’ve opened my big mouth.

“If that’s how I play my best cricket, then that’s what I want to do. If someone like Shane Warne or Matthew Hayden or Steve Waugh think they get benefit out of talking to a batter, that’s for them. Davey’s his own man; he’ll make his own choices.

“I’m confident this series will be played in the right spirit. Both sides respect that there’s a line you can’t cross. Both teams might headbutt that line but we won’t overstep the mark.”