Clarke says 'scandal-plagued' Warne could have been 'one of Oz's greatest captains'

Australian captain Michael Clarke has said that he believes that spin great Shane Warne would have made one of the country's greatest cricket captains.

According to Telegraph.com.au, off-field indiscretions meant the scandal-plagued leg-spinner never had the chance to walk in the footsteps of former greats such as Sir Donald Bradman and Richie Benaud as he was overlooked for Steve Waugh and then Ricky Ponting, Australia's two most successful captains.

However, Clarke claimed that Warne could have been something special in charge, saying that he wishes that the Australian people had got to see Warne captain Australia as they would have then seen one of the greatest captains this country ever had.

Stating that he has been always impressed by Warne's ability to see things before they happened given his extensive experience and knowledge of the game, Clarke said that during his time under Warne's captainship at Hampshire, he had seen Warne taking a bowler off the field before he got tired, field placements, a batter getting impatient.

Clarke, who has played almost 100 Tests, still regards Warne as a strong mentor, saying that the former leg-spinner has helped him a lot with his leadership, on-field tactics as a captain and also as an individual, adding that Warne is still a great friend of his, whom he talks to regularly.

According to Clarke, he can go to Warne anytime with his problems as the spin great is open and honest to him, adding that he has tried to help him with his experiences on and off the field.

Clarke also played down incidents involving Simon Katich and most recently Shane Watson after the then vice-captain was one of four players dropped for failing to do their homework in India.

Claiming that Katich grabbing him by the throat in the change rooms over the timing of the team song in 2009 had nothing to do with the former opener losing his contract when he became captain, Clarke said that although there had been a disagreement between Katich and himself, it was soon sorted out, adding that he has no say in any leadership roles or contracts.