#360view: Lyon spin king but Clarke irreplaceable

Ajit Vijaykumar 09:20 14/12/2014
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Emotions were overflowing in the lead-up to the rescheduled first Test between Australia and India. The tragic death of Phillip Hughes’ was all too fresh in the minds of the players as they took the field in Adelaide, looking to play some competitive cricket and trying to get over the painful loss of a young cricketer.

    – #Quiz360: WIN a six-month Target Gym membership

    On the final day’s play, the Indians went after the target with all their might and gave the hosts an almighty scare as Murali Vijay and captain Virat Kohli dismantled the Aussie attack with their clean and fearless batting.

    With captain Michael Clarke hobbling out of the park after injuring his hamstring, the writing seemed to be on the wall. But it’s in moments like these that champions emerge. 

    And for Australia, it was off-spinner Nathan Lyon who grabbed the bull by the horns. His seven wickets in the second innings against an Indian team expected to play spinners in their sleep are remarkable in itself.

    But the way he attacked the Indians, never losing his composure, line of attack or intent was a treat to watch. 

    The effort that he put in every ball, beating the Indian batsmen comprehensively on occasions, made him a constant threat and the Aussies can now finally begin to think they have found a slow bowler who can do the job that Shane Warne did for all those years.

    While the Australians should be ecstatic with the result, Clarke’s  injury must be a big cause of concern for them. 

    When the dust settles in Adelaide, the players and team management will have enough time to grasp the significance of their captain’s injury. 


    After the match, Clarke admitted his back troubles and hamstring tear has put a question mark over his World Cup participation and even his career.

    The talismanic leader even went on to say there is a chance he might never play again. And that should send the alarm bells ringing Down Under.

    The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is two months away and the hosts were definitely counting on Clarke’s leadership, apart from his batting. 

    The way the 33-year-old conducted himself during the traumatic period of the past few weeks showed that Clarke is a leader of men who truly cares for his fellow player.

    But if Clarke is out of the picture, Australia will have to redraw their World Cup plans in a hurry. They have got used to Pup sitting out of the odd limited overs encounters, almost always managing to play when it really matters.

    However, this time, Australia might have to actually plan ahead with no Clarke in the picture. 

    Sure, they have the likes of Brad Haddin, David Warner or even Steven Smith to take over the reins across formats. But when it comes to leadership, no one can quite fill Clarke’s shoes. It’s a problem Australia are going to have to solve.

    Recommended