Michael Clarke

‘If India get flogged 5-0 in England … ‘: Michael Clarke’s bold claim on Virat Kohli’s Test comeback | Cricket News

Danijones13 hours ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Virat Kohli, who has often called Test cricket the pinnacle of the sport, might come out of retirement if India endure a heavy defeat in the upcoming five-Test series in England and the team management and selectors request his return.Kohli had announced his retirement from the longest format last month after playing 123 Tests for India, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.“I believe this. If India go to England and get flogged, if they lose the series 5-0 for example, I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement and play Test cricket again,” Clarke told the Beyond23 Cricket podcast on Friday.“And I honestly, I think if he was asked by the captain, selectors and supported by fans, if they get beaten big time in England, I think he’ll come. He still loves Test cricket.“I think his words, I think those words, like you could hear his passion for Test cricket is real.” Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy After fulfilling his long-standing dream of winning the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli had said the title still ranked “five levels under Test cricket.”Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma had announced their retirement from the Test format ahead of the England series, which begins with the opening match in Leeds on June 20.“Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket. I think tactically any team will miss his captaincy. I think tactically he was a brilliant captain. Virat Kohli walks away from Test cricket. Devastating! What an absolute champion he’s been and Test cricket will miss him,” Clarke said.

‘Biggest threat India have taken a risk with…’: Michael Clarke warns Rohit Sharma & Co | Cricket News

Danijones1 year ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: India’s decision of selecting four spinners in their squad for the T20 World Cup was questioned with skipper Rohit Sharma clarifying that there was a clear strategy behind the move. He emphasized that the decision was not made on a whim but rather as part of a carefully crafted plan.The decision to include four spinners alongside three pacers has elicited varied opinions.Among them, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal represent the wrist-spin department, while Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel offer left-arm spin options along with their all-round abilities.Former Australian captain Michael Clarke also voiced his opinion on the issue saying India’s spin-heavy bowling lineup is going to play a decisive role in determining the outcome.“I think India have taken a risk with the squad they have picked – heavily reliant on spin, very different from Australia. But in the conditions that I have played in the Caribbean I think how you play spin is going to be a huge part of whether you succeed or not. India are the biggest threat for me with regards to who is going to win the World Cup,” said Clarke on ESPN.Clarke also noted that India are the favourites, citing the extensive amount of cricket their players have played leading up to the tournament.“If you look at the favourites for the World Cup it’s got to be India just because of the amount of cricket they have played, their preparation has been outstanding. Conditions are different to India but there are a lot of similarities so the players would be used to that,” he added.