Not just one incident, there are off-field stuff too: Clarke

Image
Press Trust of India Mohali
Last Updated : Mar 11 2013 | 8:30 PM IST
Australian captain Michael Clarke today defended the team management's decision to suspend four players including vice-captain Shane Watson for the third Test stating that it's "not just about one incident" but also about "off-field stuff" which has been unacceptable.
"I want the public and the media to understand. Don't get me wrong, it's not just about one incident. Firstly, on this tour, our performances have been unacceptable and there has been some stuff off the field that has been unacceptable for the standards of an Australian cricket team," Clarke was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.
"I know it is a tough day, a really tough day and it's a tough decision. But at the end of the day, if people are not hitting those standards there are going to be consequences," Clarke said.
The veteran of 91 Tests felt that there was nothing wrong in the coach asking them to do a specific task as players got a couple of days to regroup.
"We were asked to do one thing from the head coach. It was giving information back to the head coach about not only improving your game - what you've learnt from the first two Test matches - but also how can you help this team turn things around and have success.
"It was a very simple task. Yes, it took a lot of thinking because you had to look at your game and where you thought you could improve, what you had learnt and what you could do to help this team level this series."
The skipper said that the four players, who didn't do the homework, showed lack of respect for the head coach.
"In my opinion, for the four players to not do it, not only does it let the team down, it also shows a lack of respect for the head coach and in the Australian cricket team that is unacceptable", he pointed out
For Clarke, accepting mediocrity is simply out of question.
"We can't accept mediocrity here. This is the Australian cricket team. Maybe I am biased (but) there is a big difference between this team and other cricket teams. If you play for Australia, there is a lot that comes with that and standards, discipline, culture that is all a big part of what we are talking about here.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 11 2013 | 8:30 PM IST

Next Story