Chappell slams 'crazy' Clarke for refusing to bat at 'first drop' in third Test

Former Australian Test captain Ian Chappell has called for current captain Michael Clarke to bat at first drop in the third Ashes Test, and slammed his refusal to promote himself to No.3 for the Test as 'crazy'.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, however, the move would not happen as Clarke is happier at No.5, despite the inexperience of his top six batsmen.

Stating that a major problem for the team is the key No.3, which is currently filled by Usman Khawaja (averaging 30.09 in seven Tests), Chappell said that he felt that Clarke is 'crazy' not to bat in that slot, adding he felt that it is the best place to bat in the order at the risk of sounding biased.

According to Chappell, Australia has not got a decent number three for a long time, for which it is necessary for Clarke to bat there even though he is not a typical No.3, as being the team's best player, he needs to play there as there is no other better option.

Chappell also wants the Australians, who trail two-nil in the five-match series, to at least go down fighting if they are going to cop another defeat in Manchester in the match, adding that although David Warner is needed in the side, he should be opening rather than batting at six, although he feared that would not happen.

Chappell also said that Warner's talents will be diluted if he bats down the order, adding that in his opinion, the ideal opening pair would be Warner and Shane Watson.

Stating that Australia's batsmen would fare better under Australian conditions in this summer's Ashes return series, Chappell also said that it is important for the Australian team to go down 'kicking, screaming and fighting' even if they lose in the third Test.

Chappell also said that if Australia lost at Manchester, they needed to go down in such a way that the England is convinced that they had been in a bloody fight and had to play at their absolute best to beat them.