Former Australian skipper, Michael Clarke revealed on Tuesday that even though, Australia’s skipper Steve Smith has shown immense batting skills in the past, his leadership skills are now at stake, as he needs to lead his team from the front to make a comeback in the 2nd ODI against India.
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When the 36-year-old was asked about MS Dhoni’s possible participation in the 2019 World Cup, he revealed that the former Indian skipper “will also play in 2023”.
It was the partnership between MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya that saw India post a strong total on the board, before rain intervened. The shortened affair was won by India by 26 runs according to the D/L method.
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“Smith’s batting has been outstanding for a long time but his captaincy is challenged now. He needs to define the way for his team to have success,” Smith’s predecessor said.
“It’s high time that Australia make a comeback. I think this is the match that will decide the course of the series.”
Clarke was in Kolkata to present the bat used by Australian great, Sir Donald Bradman on India’s first tour to Australia back in 1948 at the Fanattic Sports Museum.
Clarke was also found full of praise for India’s chinaman bowler, Kuldeep Yadav: “He is an attacking bowler. His control as a wrist spinner from the back of his hand is amazing and is his strength.
He has got all the skills, spins both ways, bowls long spells. He did well in the Test series,” Clarke said.
Clarke was asked whether he thinks MS Dhoni will be able to play the 2019 World Cup, to which he replied: “Don’t ask me whether he will play in the 2019 World Cup. He will play in 2023.”
The cricketer-turned-commentator continued that it would be tough to underestimate David Warner, after the left-hander missed out in the series opener in Chennai.
“He got centuries in Bangladesh… It is hard to overlook him by seeing his performance in one game. He will find ways to score, he always does. He will have lot of impact in the series. He and Smith will be the leading scorers for Australia in the series. Hopefully, they start scoring from Kolkata.”
