By Joe Aston
Gaming and entertainment billionaire James Packer has leapt to the defence of retiring Australian captain Michael Clarke, imploring Australians to "remember the massive contribution he has made to cricket in our country."
Clarke compounded his record of lean batting returns over the past two years with an average of 16.71 in this series thus far, and with several forgettable dismissals. The cricket commentariat has been unforgiving, with many senior figures calling for his resignation or sacking this week.
Describing Clarke as a "champion cricketer and more importantly a quality human being", Packer lamented that "the media can be brutal and sadly, I think people can have very short memories".
"Let's not forget that Michael held the World Cup aloft barely five months ago, and not just as captain – his batting in that final was crucial," the Crown chairman and Hollywood financier said from Europe.
Clarke 'gets more bad press than President Obama': James PackerCredit: Pat Scala
"This is a man with enormous humility that is disproportionate to his incredible feats. What about that speech when Phillip Hughes died? What about that century last year with a broken shoulder? That almost single-handedly won us back the no. 1 Test [team] ranking. And then he gets more bad press than President Obama did for a crazy nukes deal with Iran."
Under intense scrutiny after a long run of poor form with the bat, Clarke announced his retirement from international cricket at Trent Bridge on Saturday after England won the fourth Test by an innings and 78 runs and secured the Ashes with an unassailable series lead of 3-1.
The performance of almost all of the Australian team throughout this series, as well as controversial calls by selectors Rod Marsh and Darren Lehmann, have been contributing factors in the devastating capitulation to the Old Enemy.
"I am going to miss watching Pup's elegant batting and his brave and creative captaincy," the mogul added.
"I'm a Packer, so Australian cricket is in my blood, and I can tell you that Michael is one of the greats, a true champion. I don't think the community quite realises yet the size of the hole he's going to leave in that team and in our game."
Clarke will play his last and 114th Test at The Oval in London, beginning on August 20. He retired from one day cricket after Australia's World Cup victory in March.