<p>Cameron Bancroft's recent comments over the 2018 Sandpapergate has reopened the wounds of Australian cricket. The batsman had hinted that the bowlers in the match knew about ball-tampering. However, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, who featured in the Test match, issued a statement to clarify that they were unaware of the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-clarke-adam-gilchrist-react-to-cameron-bancrofts-ball-tampering-remarks-385550" hreflang="en">Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist react to Cameron Bancroft's ball-tampering remarks</a></strong></p>

<p>But, former Australian skipper Michael Clarke feels that the letter was written smartly by the bowlers and questioned their statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I knew when I made my comments about what Cameron Bancroft's quotes were it was more than likely going to offend certain people. It certainly was not done personally from my perspective, particularly with the four bowlers concerned, I’m good friends with all of them. I think there have been a number of people, past players, journalists who have made comments based on what Cameron Bancroft said and then what David Saker, the bowling coach, as well had said,” Clarke told Sky Sports Radio on Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>“I think that is what's really important after seeing the joint statement. The one thing that stands out for mine in that statement [is] they forgot how this conversation was brought up. It was comments from a teammate Cameron Bancroft who was involved in the situation and then quotes from David Saker who was the bowling coach at the time.</p>

<p>“After journalists and past players like myself, Adam Gilchrist and Stuart Broad, a current player, had seen what was said and written, a lot of people have made comments. I think those guys and Cricket Australia need to remember how this conversation has been brought up so in their statement they should have added where it says: 'We pride ourselves on our honesty’. So, it’s been disappointing to see that our integrity has been questioned by some journalists and past players' -- you probably should have put current teammate who was there at the time and did the crime and bowling coach who was there too. You probably left two people out,” he added.</p>

<p>“This statement is very smartly worded and written so I'm not going to sit here and continue to talk about every word in that statement. I’ve said what I’ve said. It certainly was not personal towards them. I said what I said because that’s what I believe,” Clarke concluded.</p>

<p>Cameron Bancroft last played for Australia in the 2019 Ashes Test against England. The batsman acknowledges he cushioned his opportunity to make a long vacation in international cricket after his demonstration in the Cape Town Test. Cameron Bancroft has played 10 Tests, accumulating 446 runs at an average of 26.3, including three fifties. The batsman had played an amazing thump of 77 in Cape Town in the scandalous Test in 2018 and once named it as his best thump in international cricket.</p>


Cameron Bancroft's recent comments over the 2018 Sandpapergate has reopened the wounds of Australian cricket. The batsman had hinted that the bowlers in the match knew about ball-tampering.

Cameron Bancroft's recent comments over the 2018 Sandpapergate has reopened the wounds of Australian cricket. The batsman had hinted that the bowlers in the match knew about ball-tampering. However, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, who featured in the Test match, issued a statement to clarify that they were unaware of the incident. ALSO READ: Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist react to Cameron Bancroft's ball-tampering remarks But, former Australian skipper Michael Clarke feels that the letter was written smartly by the bowlers and questioned their statement. “I knew when I made my comments about what Cameron Bancroft's quotes were it was more than likely going to offend certain people. It certainly was not done personally from my perspective, particularly with the four bowlers concerned, I’m good friends with all of them. I think there have been a number of people, past players, journalists who have made comments based on what Cameron Bancroft said and then what David Saker, the bowling coach, as well had said,” Clarke told Sky Sports Radio on Wednesday morning. “I think that is what's really important after seeing the joint statement. The one thing that stands out for mine in that statement [is] they forgot how this conversation was brought up. It was comments from a teammate Cameron Bancroft who was involved in the situation and then quotes from David Saker who was the bowling coach at the time. “After journalists and past players like myself, Adam Gilchrist and Stuart Broad, a current player, had seen what was said and written, a lot of people have made comments. I think those guys and Cricket Australia need to remember how this conversation has been brought up so in their statement they should have added where it says: 'We pride ourselves on our honesty’. So, it’s been disappointing to see that our integrity has been questioned by some journalists and past players' -- you probably should have put current teammate who was there at the time and did the crime and bowling coach who was there too. You probably left two people out,” he added. “This statement is very smartly worded and written so I'm not going to sit here and continue to talk about every word in that statement. I’ve said what I’ve said. It certainly was not personal towards them. I said what I said because that’s what I believe,” Clarke concluded. Cameron Bancroft last played for Australia in the 2019 Ashes Test against England. The batsman acknowledges he cushioned his opportunity to make a long vacation in international cricket after his demonstration in the Cape Town Test. Cameron Bancroft has played 10 Tests, accumulating 446 runs at an average of 26.3, including three fifties. The batsman had played an amazing thump of 77 in Cape Town in the scandalous Test in 2018 and once named it as his best thump in international cricket.

'Very smartly worded and written': Michael Clarke on bowlers' letter on 2018 Sandpaper gate

<p>Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has brought up that he isn't astounded to discover that more than three individuals may have been involved in the ball-tampering plot and the previous Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has said Cricket Australia needed to do a more thorough investigation into sandpaper gate scandal when it happened and it is due to this reason that the issue will keep on lingering forever.</p>

<p>Michael Clarke said it's certain that three players knew about the incident. The former Australian skipper supported Cameron Bancroft's comments, saying that at the most elevated level of cricket, it is inconceivable for bowlers to not think about the state of their apparatus.</p>

<p>In a conversation with Fox Cricket Michael Clarke said:</p>

<p>“They’ve got to hold the ball to bowl with it. I can tell you now if you went and grabbed a pen, just a pen and put a little ‘1’ somewhere on my cricket bat; on top of the handle, on the edge of the bat, on the toe of the bat, on the face, under the grip, anywhere, just a little number one, I would have noticed. If you are playing sport at the highest level you know your tools that good it’s not funny. Can you imagine that ball being thrown back to the bowler and the bowler not knowing about it? Please” – he said.</p>

<p>Adam Gilchrist thinks the scandalous ball-altering adventure will canine Australian cricket for quite a long time to come, with new names surfacing sometimes. Responding to Cameron Bancroft's disclosure, Adam Gilchrist said more individuals like him have information on the plot and are trusting that the correct time will 'pull the trigger'.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/have-played-extraordinary-cricket-in-recent-times-says-pace-maestro-mohammed-shami-385426" hreflang="en">'Have played extraordinary cricket in recent times', says pace maestro Mohammed Shami</a></strong></p>

<p>Cameron Bancroft, who was caught with the sandpaper hinted in an interview that it was 'obvious' that more players were aware of the plot. This has put the focus on the bowling department - Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon - who asserted in any case at the hour of the incident.</p>

<p>“It will linger forever, whether it is someone’s book or an ad hoc interview. Eventually, I think names will be named. I think there are some people who have it stored away and are ready to pull the trigger when the time is right. I think Cricket Australia is responsible for why this will be continually asked...They went there and did this very quick review of that isolated incident and perhaps no one in the team knew" - he said.</p>

<p>Adam Gilchrist additionally added that it would be guileless to believe that lone Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft knew about the circumstance. He added that Cricket Australia made it resemble a separate occurrence without testing if the ball-tampering was 'systematically' escorting Australian cricket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/havent-been-a-match-fixer-michael-vaughan-hits-back-at-salman-butt-385416" hreflang="en">'Haven't been a match fixer': Michael Vaughan hits back at Salman Butt</a></strong></p>

<p>"Anyone would be naive to think people were not aware of what was going on about ball maintenance. I don’t think Cricket Australia wanted to go there. They did not want to go any deeper than that superficial example of ball-tampering. They did not investigate to see whether it was systemic had it been going on and on and on. Around the cricketing globe, it was widely accepted a lot of teams were doing it’’ - he added.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia has implied that it's available to reinvestigate the issue on the off chance that anybody has 'new information. It stays not yet clear what sway Adam Gilchrist and Michael Clarke's remarks will have on such a stage.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has brought up that he isn't astounded to discover that more than three individuals may have been involved in the ball-tampering plot and the previous Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has said Cricket Australia needed to do a more thorough investigation into sandpaper gate scandal when it happened and it is due to this reason that the issue will keep on lingering forever.

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has brought up that he isn't astounded to discover that more than three individuals may have been involved in the ball-tampering plot and the previous Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has said Cricket Australia needed to do a more thorough investigation into sandpaper gate scandal when it happened and it is due to this reason that the issue will keep on lingering forever. Michael Clarke said it's certain that three players knew about the incident. The former Australian skipper supported Cameron Bancroft's comments, saying that at the most elevated level of cricket, it is inconceivable for bowlers to not think about the state of their apparatus. In a conversation with Fox Cricket Michael Clarke said: “They’ve got to hold the ball to bowl with it. I can tell you now if you went and grabbed a pen, just a pen and put a little ‘1’ somewhere on my cricket bat; on top of the handle, on the edge of the bat, on the toe of the bat, on the face, under the grip, anywhere, just a little number one, I would have noticed. If you are playing sport at the highest level you know your tools that good it’s not funny. Can you imagine that ball being thrown back to the bowler and the bowler not knowing about it? Please” – he said. Adam Gilchrist thinks the scandalous ball-altering adventure will canine Australian cricket for quite a long time to come, with new names surfacing sometimes. Responding to Cameron Bancroft's disclosure, Adam Gilchrist said more individuals like him have information on the plot and are trusting that the correct time will 'pull the trigger'. ALSO READ: 'Have played extraordinary cricket in recent times', says pace maestro Mohammed Shami Cameron Bancroft, who was caught with the sandpaper hinted in an interview that it was 'obvious' that more players were aware of the plot. This has put the focus on the bowling department - Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon - who asserted in any case at the hour of the incident. “It will linger forever, whether it is someone’s book or an ad hoc interview. Eventually, I think names will be named. I think there are some people who have it stored away and are ready to pull the trigger when the time is right. I think Cricket Australia is responsible for why this will be continually asked...They went there and did this very quick review of that isolated incident and perhaps no one in the team knew" - he said. Adam Gilchrist additionally added that it would be guileless to believe that lone Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft knew about the circumstance. He added that Cricket Australia made it resemble a separate occurrence without testing if the ball-tampering was 'systematically' escorting Australian cricket. ALSO READ: 'Haven't been a match fixer': Michael Vaughan hits back at Salman Butt "Anyone would be naive to think people were not aware of what was going on about ball maintenance. I don’t think Cricket Australia wanted to go there. They did not want to go any deeper than that superficial example of ball-tampering. They did not investigate to see whether it was systemic had it been going on and on and on. Around the cricketing globe, it was widely accepted a lot of teams were doing it’’ - he added. Cricket Australia has implied that it's available to reinvestigate the issue on the off chance that anybody has 'new information. It stays not yet clear what sway Adam Gilchrist and Michael Clarke's remarks will have on such a stage.

Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist react to Cameron Bancroft's ball-tampering remarks

<p>India are set to take on Australia in three ODIs, as many T20Is and four Test matches in what promises to be a blockbuster series. With the first ODI taking place in Sydney on Friday, the anticipation and hype around the series are unparalleled. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke feels Australia will defeat India 4-0 in the Test series if the Men in Blue fail in the white-ball series.</p>

<p>According to Clarke, Indian captain Virat Kohli has to set the momentum in the ODIs and T20Is or else India will fail to win even a single Test Down Under.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“These one-dayers and these Twenty20s is where Virat Kohli can really stand up and lead from the front. I think the tone he sets with this team will play a big role when he leaves, after the first Test match,” Clarke said on ‘Sky Sports Radio’ on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-rohit-ishant-sharma-out-of-first-2-tests-vs-australia-345054" hreflang="en">India's Rohit, Ishant Sharma out of first 2 Tests vs Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>“If India don‘t have success in the one-dayers and the T20s, they are in deep trouble in the Test matches and they’ll get smoked 4-0, in my opinion,” he added.</p>

<p>Clarke further said that Indian pacers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, will need to be aggressive against the Australian batsmen while using the short deliveries consistently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He‘s quick, he’s got a really different action, so I think he needs to set the tone and be really aggressive to the Australian batters. Even to someone like Steve Smith, he’s got to use that short ball consistently and regularly, as Jofra Archer did to Steve Smith in the Ashes,” Clarke further said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/with-india-series-looming-smith-relieved-to-find-his-hands-345045" hreflang="en">With India series looming, Smith relieved to find his hands</a></strong></p>

<p>“They’ve got to take the Aussies on and those two players are India’s best two players to be aggressive to the Australians,” he signed off.</p>

<p>With Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma likely to be out of the first two Tests and Virat Kohli leaving after the opening Test in Adelaide, it would be interesting to see how Team India faces the might of Australia on their home soil.</p>


India are set to take on Australia in three ODIs, as many T20Is and four Test matches in what promises to be a blockbuster series. With the first ODI taking place in Sydney on Friday, the anticipation and hype around the series are unparalleled.

India are set to take on Australia in three ODIs, as many T20Is and four Test matches in what promises to be a blockbuster series. With the first ODI taking place in Sydney on Friday, the anticipation and hype around the series are unparalleled. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke feels Australia will defeat India 4-0 in the Test series if the Men in Blue fail in the white-ball series. According to Clarke, Indian captain Virat Kohli has to set the momentum in the ODIs and T20Is or else India will fail to win even a single Test Down Under. “These one-dayers and these Twenty20s is where Virat Kohli can really stand up and lead from the front. I think the tone he sets with this team will play a big role when he leaves, after the first Test match,” Clarke said on ‘Sky Sports Radio’ on Tuesday. ALSO READ: India's Rohit, Ishant Sharma out of first 2 Tests vs Australia “If India don‘t have success in the one-dayers and the T20s, they are in deep trouble in the Test matches and they’ll get smoked 4-0, in my opinion,” he added. Clarke further said that Indian pacers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, will need to be aggressive against the Australian batsmen while using the short deliveries consistently. “He‘s quick, he’s got a really different action, so I think he needs to set the tone and be really aggressive to the Australian batters. Even to someone like Steve Smith, he’s got to use that short ball consistently and regularly, as Jofra Archer did to Steve Smith in the Ashes,” Clarke further said. ALSO READ: With India series looming, Smith relieved to find his hands “They’ve got to take the Aussies on and those two players are India’s best two players to be aggressive to the Australians,” he signed off. With Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma likely to be out of the first two Tests and Virat Kohli leaving after the opening Test in Adelaide, it would be interesting to see how Team India faces the might of Australia on their home soil.

IND vs AUS: Australia will smoke India 4-0 in Tests, predicts Michael Clarke

<p>Michael Clarke has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday list for Australia with the former cricket captain recognised for both his sporting career and community work.</p>

<p>The 39-year-old, who retired from cricket in 2015, was appointed an Officer in the general division of the Order of Australia, the citation on the Governor General’s website said.</p>

<p>Former women’s captain Lynnette Larsen and two-time Olympic hockey gold medallist Renita Garard were both named a Member of the Order of Australia.</p>

<p>“That makes it more special for me,” Clarke told The Australian newspaper on Monday. “Obviously it’s an honour to receive it, but the fact it recognises the work I’ve done for charities makes it very special.”</p>

<p>Clarke played 115 tests for Australia, including 47 as captain, and led the side to their fifth one day World Cup title in 2015. He scored 8,643 test runs at an average of 49.10, with 28 centuries.</p>

<p>Clarke has been heavily involved in numerous health and children’s charities.</p>


Michael Clarke has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday list for Australia with the former cricket captain recognised for both his sporting career and community work.

Michael Clarke has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday list for Australia with the former cricket captain recognised for both his sporting career and community work. The 39-year-old, who retired from cricket in 2015, was appointed an Officer in the general division of the Order of Australia, the citation on the Governor General’s website said. Former women’s captain Lynnette Larsen and two-time Olympic hockey gold medallist Renita Garard were both named a Member of the Order of Australia. “That makes it more special for me,” Clarke told The Australian newspaper on Monday. “Obviously it’s an honour to receive it, but the fact it recognises the work I’ve done for charities makes it very special.” Clarke played 115 tests for Australia, including 47 as captain, and led the side to their fifth one day World Cup title in 2015. He scored 8,643 test runs at an average of 49.10, with 28 centuries. Clarke has been heavily involved in numerous health and children’s charities.

Former Australia captain Clarke honoured in Queen's Birthday list

<p>Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has rubbished Michael Clarke’s claims that Aussie players were too scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players as they feared losing out on hefty pay-cheques in Indian Premier League (IPL). Paine has said that he didn’t notice too many people being that nice to Kohli or not trying to get him dismissed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paine further said that in the previous Test series between India and Australia, there was a quite a lot of heat and every Australian player tried to give their best with both bat and ball while adding that he is pretty sure that nobody would be thinking of an IPL contract when they are running in to bowl to Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sit-back-and-relax-at-home-kapil-dev-dismisses-shoaib-akhtars-proposal-of-india-pakistan-charity-series-to-fight-against-covid-19-291536" hreflang="en">'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>"I certainly didn't notice too many people being that nice to Virat or not trying to get him out or anything like that," Paine told a leading cricket portal while adding: "I thought everyone who had the ball in their hand or when we were batting were trying their absolute best to win the game for Australia. I'm not sure who was going easy on him; we certainly had a thing where we didn't want to provoke any fight with him because we think that's when he plays at his best.”</p>

<p>"Who knows what will happen this series and, as we saw in the documentary, there was still quite a lot of heat in some of those games. I certainly wasn't holding back, but again the IPL's not a huge draw for me at the moment, so I had nothing to lose. But anytime our guys go out and play a Test match for Australia, they'll be giving their absolute all and I'm pretty sure they're not thinking about an IPL contract when they're running in, bowling to Virat," Paine further said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketers-agree-virus-package-to-support-game-291491" hreflang="en">Cricketers agree virus package to support game</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, Clarke had said that India are extremely powerful in regards to the financial part of the game and that has led to Australian cricket and other teams to suck up to Indian cricket team.</p>

<p>"Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, whether that be internationally or domestically in regards to the IPL," Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast radio programme, while adding "so, I feel, Australian cricket, and probably every other team, over a little period went the opposite - actually sucked up to India. They were too scared to sledge Kohli or sledge the Indian players because they had to go and play with them in April.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has rubbished Michael Clarke’s claims that Aussie players were too scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players as they feared losing out on hefty pay-cheques in Indian Premier League (IPL).

Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has rubbished Michael Clarke’s claims that Aussie players were too scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players as they feared losing out on hefty pay-cheques in Indian Premier League (IPL). Paine has said that he didn’t notice too many people being that nice to Kohli or not trying to get him dismissed. Paine further said that in the previous Test series between India and Australia, there was a quite a lot of heat and every Australian player tried to give their best with both bat and ball while adding that he is pretty sure that nobody would be thinking of an IPL contract when they are running in to bowl to Kohli. ALSO READ: 'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19 "I certainly didn't notice too many people being that nice to Virat or not trying to get him out or anything like that," Paine told a leading cricket portal while adding: "I thought everyone who had the ball in their hand or when we were batting were trying their absolute best to win the game for Australia. I'm not sure who was going easy on him; we certainly had a thing where we didn't want to provoke any fight with him because we think that's when he plays at his best.” "Who knows what will happen this series and, as we saw in the documentary, there was still quite a lot of heat in some of those games. I certainly wasn't holding back, but again the IPL's not a huge draw for me at the moment, so I had nothing to lose. But anytime our guys go out and play a Test match for Australia, they'll be giving their absolute all and I'm pretty sure they're not thinking about an IPL contract when they're running in, bowling to Virat," Paine further said. ALSO READ: Cricketers agree virus package to support game Earlier, Clarke had said that India are extremely powerful in regards to the financial part of the game and that has led to Australian cricket and other teams to suck up to Indian cricket team. "Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, whether that be internationally or domestically in regards to the IPL," Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast radio programme, while adding "so, I feel, Australian cricket, and probably every other team, over a little period went the opposite - actually sucked up to India. They were too scared to sledge Kohli or sledge the Indian players because they had to go and play with them in April.”

Not sure who went easy on Virat Kohli for IPL contract: Tim Paine rubbishes Michael Clarke's claims of Aussies being 'scared' to sledge India

<p>Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke reckons it is due to the Indian Premier League (IPL) that Australian cricketers are scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players during bilateral series or other tournaments. Clarke is of the view that players are too afraid to sledge any of the Indian players due to the huge bucks they are bagging for participating in the IPL while adding some feel that sledging Indian players could affect their deals in the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clarke further opined that over the years, not only Australia but other international teams have been scared to sledge the Indian teams just because of the financial part of the game.</p>

<p>Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast, Clarke said: "Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, internationally or domestically with the IPL. I feel that Australian cricket, and probably every other team over a little period, went the opposite and actually sucked up to India. They were too scared to sledge Kohli or the other Indian players because they had to play with them in April."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-is-massive-hope-there-is-a-way-to-schedule-ipl-later-in-the-year-rajasthan-royals-jos-buttler-291119" hreflang="en">IPL is massive, hope there is a way to schedule IPL later in the year: Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler</a></strong></p>

<p>The likes of Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Finch, Kane Richardson, Alex Carey, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, Andrew Tye, Chris Green, Josh Phillipe among others Australian players who went for massive bucks and found takers in the latest IPL auction, which was held in Kolkata in December 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Name a list of ten players and they are bidding for these Australian players to get into their IPL team," Clarke said. "The players were like: 'I'm not going to sledge Kohli, I want him to pick me for Bangalore so I can make my $1 million US for my six weeks'. I feel like that's where Australia went through that little phase where our cricket became a little bit softer or not as hard as we're accustomed to seeing."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-fine-with-the-idea-of-ipl-2020-behind-closed-doors-291101" hreflang="en">Harbhajan Singh fine with the idea of IPL 2020 behind closed doors</a></strong></p>

<p>Australia went through a rough patch since the sandpaper-gate incident in Cape Town in 2018 but after a rough ride, the Baggy Green bounced back strong in the ICC World Cup 2019 and the Ashes and has been on a roll ever since then. Australia are also the host of ICC T20 World Cup 2020 and will be eyeing the coveted trophy in front of their home crowd.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke reckons it is due to the Indian Premier League (IPL) that Australian cricketers are scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players during bilateral series or other tournaments.

Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke reckons it is due to the Indian Premier League (IPL) that Australian cricketers are scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players during bilateral series or other tournaments. Clarke is of the view that players are too afraid to sledge any of the Indian players due to the huge bucks they are bagging for participating in the IPL while adding some feel that sledging Indian players could affect their deals in the cash-rich tournament. Clarke further opined that over the years, not only Australia but other international teams have been scared to sledge the Indian teams just because of the financial part of the game. Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast, Clarke said: "Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, internationally or domestically with the IPL. I feel that Australian cricket, and probably every other team over a little period, went the opposite and actually sucked up to India. They were too scared to sledge Kohli or the other Indian players because they had to play with them in April." ALSO READ: IPL is massive, hope there is a way to schedule IPL later in the year: Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler The likes of Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Finch, Kane Richardson, Alex Carey, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, Andrew Tye, Chris Green, Josh Phillipe among others Australian players who went for massive bucks and found takers in the latest IPL auction, which was held in Kolkata in December 2019. "Name a list of ten players and they are bidding for these Australian players to get into their IPL team," Clarke said. "The players were like: 'I'm not going to sledge Kohli, I want him to pick me for Bangalore so I can make my $1 million US for my six weeks'. I feel like that's where Australia went through that little phase where our cricket became a little bit softer or not as hard as we're accustomed to seeing." ALSO READ: Harbhajan Singh fine with the idea of IPL 2020 behind closed doors Australia went through a rough patch since the sandpaper-gate incident in Cape Town in 2018 but after a rough ride, the Baggy Green bounced back strong in the ICC World Cup 2019 and the Ashes and has been on a roll ever since then. Australia are also the host of ICC T20 World Cup 2020 and will be eyeing the coveted trophy in front of their home crowd.

Australian players too scared to sledge Virat Kohli or Indian players due to IPL deals: Michael Clarke

<p><em><strong>By: Amartya Sharma</strong></em></p>

<p>Today marks the 5th death anniversary of Phillip Hughes, an Australian Cricketer whose death shocked the whole world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tragic event in the cricketing world that compelled people across the globe to put their bats out to honour the memory of the batsman. Michael Clarke and Steve Smith pay their tributes on social media.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TTZCFpSzz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Everyday I think of you, but this week even more. Wish you were here buddy</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michaelclarkeofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Michael Clarke</a> (@michaelclarkeofficial) on <time datetime="2019-11-25T20:20:43+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 25, 2019 at 12:20pm PST</time></p>
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<p>Hughes suffered a tragic blow on his head after being hit by a Sean Abbott bouncer after missing a hook shot while playing for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield game. He was taken to the hospital after collapsing face-first. Phil went through emergency surgery before being placed in an induced coma. However, he failed to regain consciousness and passed away on November 27, 2014, aged 25.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The young Aussie's playing style was compared to that of Adam Gilchrist, an Australian Cricketing Legend by the former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hughes was born in Macksville, New South Wales, he played his junior cricket for Macksville RSL Cricket Club, where he excelled so quickly that he was playing A-Grade at the age of 12 and in Representative Cricket he scored a century.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He earned a New South Wales, rookie-contract in the year 2007-08.&nbsp;After scoring of 51 and 137 for the New South Wales Second XI against Victoria's Second XI, he got his call-up to make his First-class Debut. Phil Hughes at 18 years became the youngest New South Wales debutant since Micheal Clarke in 1999. Hughes had an outstanding debut season playing for New South Wales, he played 7 matches and scored 559 runs. He scored six fifties and one century with an average of 62.11.</p>

<p>He was the key player in the Pura Cup final 2007 as the New South Wales batsman scored 116 against Victoria making him the youngest batsman to score a century in a Pura Cup final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was called up as a replacement for the retired Mathew Hayden for a Test series against South Africa in 2009. The 20-year-old scored a duck in the first innings of his debut, but in the second innings, he got over his fears and scored 75 runs. In the second test match of that series, Phil Hughes created a history that made him famous overnight. He scored a century in each innings in the next game at Durban. He had become the youngest player ever to achieve this feat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was awarded the prestigious Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year at the Allan Border Medal ceremony by the Cricket Australia in 2009</p>

<p>His Test-career faced a lot of ups and downs. He played 26 Test matches and scored 1535 runs. He hit 3 centuries and 7 fifties with an average of 32.66.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Australian debut his ODI innings with a century against Sri Lanka became the first Australian to score a century on a debut in the One Day Internationals. He played 25 ODIs and scored 826 runs. He hit 2 centuries and four half-centuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Big Bash League, Hughes represented the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers.</p>

<p>His death raised many questions on the safety of the Helmets. An inquest into Hughes' death began on October 10, 2016. The final result of the investigation was that the death of Hughes was a tragic accident arising from a minuscule misjudgment from the batsman and no players or umpires were at fault. Thus, stating that no modern helmet could have saved Phil Hughes.</p>

<p>Sean Abbott returned to cricket after 17 days, he found it very difficult to make it to the ground after delivering the fatal bouncer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cricketing Legend across the globe poured their condolences, his fans wore T-shirts on which "63 not out" were written as a mark to pay respect to the late Australian batsman. Michael Clarke, best friend of Hughes gave a tearful send-off.</p>


By: Amartya Sharma Today marks the 5th death anniversary of Phillip Hughes, an Australian Cricketer whose death shocked the whole world. The tragic event in the cricketing world that compelled people across the globe to put their bats out to honour the memory of the batsman.

By: Amartya Sharma Today marks the 5th death anniversary of Phillip Hughes, an Australian Cricketer whose death shocked the whole world. The tragic event in the cricketing world that compelled people across the globe to put their bats out to honour the memory of the batsman. Michael Clarke and Steve Smith pay their tributes on social media. View this post on Instagram Everyday I think of you, but this week even more. Wish you were here buddy A post shared by Michael Clarke (@michaelclarkeofficial) on Nov 25, 2019 at 12:20pm PST × Hughes suffered a tragic blow on his head after being hit by a Sean Abbott bouncer after missing a hook shot while playing for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield game. He was taken to the hospital after collapsing face-first. Phil went through emergency surgery before being placed in an induced coma. However, he failed to regain consciousness and passed away on November 27, 2014, aged 25. The young Aussie's playing style was compared to that of Adam Gilchrist, an Australian Cricketing Legend by the former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Hughes was born in Macksville, New South Wales, he played his junior cricket for Macksville RSL Cricket Club, where he excelled so quickly that he was playing A-Grade at the age of 12 and in Representative Cricket he scored a century. He earned a New South Wales, rookie-contract in the year 2007-08. After scoring of 51 and 137 for the New South Wales Second XI against Victoria's Second XI, he got his call-up to make his First-class Debut. Phil Hughes at 18 years became the youngest New South Wales debutant since Micheal Clarke in 1999. Hughes had an outstanding debut season playing for New South Wales, he played 7 matches and scored 559 runs. He scored six fifties and one century with an average of 62.11. He was the key player in the Pura Cup final 2007 as the New South Wales batsman scored 116 against Victoria making him the youngest batsman to score a century in a Pura Cup final. He was called up as a replacement for the retired Mathew Hayden for a Test series against South Africa in 2009. The 20-year-old scored a duck in the first innings of his debut, but in the second innings, he got over his fears and scored 75 runs. In the second test match of that series, Phil Hughes created a history that made him famous overnight. He scored a century in each innings in the next game at Durban. He had become the youngest player ever to achieve this feat. He was awarded the prestigious Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year at the Allan Border Medal ceremony by the Cricket Australia in 2009 His Test-career faced a lot of ups and downs. He played 26 Test matches and scored 1535 runs. He hit 3 centuries and 7 fifties with an average of 32.66. The Australian debut his ODI innings with a century against Sri Lanka became the first Australian to score a century on a debut in the One Day Internationals. He played 25 ODIs and scored 826 runs. He hit 2 centuries and four half-centuries. In the Big Bash League, Hughes represented the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers. His death raised many questions on the safety of the Helmets. An inquest into Hughes' death began on October 10, 2016. The final result of the investigation was that the death of Hughes was a tragic accident arising from a minuscule misjudgment from the batsman and no players or umpires were at fault. Thus, stating that no modern helmet could have saved Phil Hughes. Sean Abbott returned to cricket after 17 days, he found it very difficult to make it to the ground after delivering the fatal bouncer. Cricketing Legend across the globe poured their condolences, his fans wore T-shirts on which "63 not out" were written as a mark to pay respect to the late Australian batsman. Michael Clarke, best friend of Hughes gave a tearful send-off.

5th death anniversary of Phil Hughes: His career, records and death

<p>Former captain Michael Clarke has slammed attempts to improve Australian cricket's image in the wake of a cheating scandal, insisting the national team "won't win a game" without its infamous abrasive attitude.</p>

<p>A scathing independent review into the ball-tampering scandal released last month revealed a bullying culture within the sport and criticised cricketers for "playing the mongrel" against opponents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response, the team produced a so-called Players' Pact, urging Australians to "compete with us, smile with us, fight with us, dream with us".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Test captain Tim Paine has also spoken of shaking opponents' hands before a series and respecting the umpires, in stark contrast to the Australians' previous conduct.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the nice-guy approach did not sit well with Clarke, who said winning should be Australia's top priority, regardless of what anyone thought.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Australian cricket, I think, needs to stop worrying about being liked and start worrying about being respected," he told commercial radio.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Play tough Australian cricket. Whether we like it or not, that's in our blood." Clarke said fans wanted victory more than they wanted a likeable team and Australia's winning legacy was built on its hard-nosed attitude.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you try and walk away from it, we might be the most liked team in the world, we're not going to win shit," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We won't win a game. Boys and girls want to win." The cheating scandal involved Australian players using sandpaper to alter the flight of the ball in a Test match against South Africa last March at Cape Town's Newlands Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coach Darren Lehmann quit in the wake of the controversy and then-captain Steve Smith, deputy David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft received lengthy bans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The affair also claimed the scalps of CA chief executive James Sutherland, chairman David Peever and team performance boss Pat Howard.</p>

<p>The Australians have endured a dire run of form since Cape Town, losing 17 matches out of 24 in all formats. They face a tough home Test series against top-ranked India starting in Adelaide on December 6.</p>


Former captain Michael Clarke has slammed attempts to improve Australian cricket's image in the wake of a cheating scandal, insisting the national team "won't win a game" without its infamous abrasive attitude.

Former captain Michael Clarke has slammed attempts to improve Australian cricket's image in the wake of a cheating scandal, insisting the national team "won't win a game" without its infamous abrasive attitude. A scathing independent review into the ball-tampering scandal released last month revealed a bullying culture within the sport and criticised cricketers for "playing the mongrel" against opponents. In response, the team produced a so-called Players' Pact, urging Australians to "compete with us, smile with us, fight with us, dream with us". Test captain Tim Paine has also spoken of shaking opponents' hands before a series and respecting the umpires, in stark contrast to the Australians' previous conduct. However, the nice-guy approach did not sit well with Clarke, who said winning should be Australia's top priority, regardless of what anyone thought. "Australian cricket, I think, needs to stop worrying about being liked and start worrying about being respected," he told commercial radio. "Play tough Australian cricket. Whether we like it or not, that's in our blood." Clarke said fans wanted victory more than they wanted a likeable team and Australia's winning legacy was built on its hard-nosed attitude. "If you try and walk away from it, we might be the most liked team in the world, we're not going to win shit," he said. "We won't win a game. Boys and girls want to win." The cheating scandal involved Australian players using sandpaper to alter the flight of the ball in a Test match against South Africa last March at Cape Town's Newlands Stadium. Coach Darren Lehmann quit in the wake of the controversy and then-captain Steve Smith, deputy David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft received lengthy bans. The affair also claimed the scalps of CA chief executive James Sutherland, chairman David Peever and team performance boss Pat Howard. The Australians have endured a dire run of form since Cape Town, losing 17 matches out of 24 in all formats. They face a tough home Test series against top-ranked India starting in Adelaide on December 6.

Michael Clarke to Australian team: Winning is priority regardless of being nice

<p>"In the words of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=donald+trump">Donald Trump</a>, let's make cricket great again," former Australian cricketer Shane Warne said in a column for Melbourne's Herald Sun.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>Warne penned down his thoughts to help current Australian cricket out of its current crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also urged the sport's beleaguered governing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+australia">Cricket Australia</a> to make better use of other former top players.</p>

<p>Australian cricket team has been struggling since a ball-tampering scandal in March following which Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameroon Bancroft were banned.</p>

<p>Warne said he was "frustrated" at the state of Australian cricket.</p>

<p>"Cricket Australia is in disarray - fact. CA has lost control and sight of what it was trying to achieve, to make cricket Australia's favourite sport.</p>

<p>"That was its slogan and it was right but it has lost its way and thankfully heads are starting to roll."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ball-tampering-scandal-independent-review-finds-cricket-australia-arrogant-174132">Ball-tampering scandal: Independent review finds 'arrogant' CA also responsible for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ball-tampering-scandal-independent-review-finds-cricket-australia-arrogant-174132">incident</a></p>

<p>The leg-spin icon said retired cricketers needed to play a bigger part in steering the sport, calling on a host of former teammates to rally behind the game.</p>

<p>"I put my hand up to (outgoing team performance boss) Pat Howard a few times, told him I was available if they needed me," he told the newspaper.</p>

<p>"I've always been happy to get involved in any role if Cricket Australia thought I could help the team. I'm sure all the ex-players would be the same."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He questioned why retired stars such as Michael Clarke had not been appointed as a batting consultant, or Glenn McGrath to help the fast bowlers.</p>

<p>"We've got a lot of spinners coming through who I've helped in an informal role. And I'm more than happy to help in a formal basis if required," he said.</p>

<p>"Why not ask Glenn McGrath, offer him a contract to help with the fast bowlers.</p>

<p>"We are not playing the Australian way at the moment, at any level."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Warne said "we just think we are going to produce cricketers" but argued that would not happen until the right people were involved and the right environment was put in place.</p>

<p>He advocated more game time for top players in the Sheffield Shield and said: "Stop the Twenty20 greed."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The talent in Australia is good. It comes back to how they are being taught to play, more importantly the style they are being taught to play," he added.</p>


"In the words of Donald Trump, let's make cricket great again," former Australian cricketer Shane Warne said in a column for Melbourne's Herald Sun. Warne penned down his thoughts to help current Australian cricket out of its current crisis.

"In the words of Donald Trump, let's make cricket great again," former Australian cricketer Shane Warne said in a column for Melbourne's Herald Sun. Warne penned down his thoughts to help current Australian cricket out of its current crisis. He also urged the sport's beleaguered governing Cricket Australia to make better use of other former top players. Australian cricket team has been struggling since a ball-tampering scandal in March following which Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameroon Bancroft were banned. Warne said he was "frustrated" at the state of Australian cricket. "Cricket Australia is in disarray - fact. CA has lost control and sight of what it was trying to achieve, to make cricket Australia's favourite sport. "That was its slogan and it was right but it has lost its way and thankfully heads are starting to roll." Ball-tampering scandal: Independent review finds 'arrogant' CA also responsible for incident The leg-spin icon said retired cricketers needed to play a bigger part in steering the sport, calling on a host of former teammates to rally behind the game. "I put my hand up to (outgoing team performance boss) Pat Howard a few times, told him I was available if they needed me," he told the newspaper. "I've always been happy to get involved in any role if Cricket Australia thought I could help the team. I'm sure all the ex-players would be the same." He questioned why retired stars such as Michael Clarke had not been appointed as a batting consultant, or Glenn McGrath to help the fast bowlers. "We've got a lot of spinners coming through who I've helped in an informal role. And I'm more than happy to help in a formal basis if required," he said. "Why not ask Glenn McGrath, offer him a contract to help with the fast bowlers. "We are not playing the Australian way at the moment, at any level." Warne said "we just think we are going to produce cricketers" but argued that would not happen until the right people were involved and the right environment was put in place. He advocated more game time for top players in the Sheffield Shield and said: "Stop the Twenty20 greed." "The talent in Australia is good. It comes back to how they are being taught to play, more importantly the style they are being taught to play," he added.

Shane Warne: In words of Donald Trump, let's make cricket great again

<p>Hours after Michael Clarke announced to make an international cricket comeback to help his side cope up with the ball-tampering fallout, the former Australian skipper on Sunday backed out from the news.</p>

<p>The right-hand batsman took to his Twitter handle to confirm the same.</p>

<p>He further said that he had contacted Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland to help out the Test side following the suspensions of cricketers David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft.&nbsp</p>

<p>Clarkes' comeback news was doing the rounds after a leading publication published an article hinting that he might return as Australian skipper.</p>

<p>"This article is out of control! &nbspLet me make very clear that I &nbsphave not sent any formal offer to James Sutherland to come back and play cricket. I sent him a message as a friend offering to help Australian cricket in ANY way I could (this could mean mentoring the under 14s)," he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This article is out of control! Let me make very clear that I have not sent any formal offer to James Sutherland to come back and play cricket. I sent him a message as a friend offering to help Australian cricket in ANY way I could (this could mean mentoring the under 14s)</p>
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) <a href="https://twitter.com/MClarke23/status/982772911407742978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I won’t be batting in the nets in India in preparation for a comeback ??? and as I have always said the game owes me nothing, I owe it everything. Have a great Sunday ??</p>
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) <a href="https://twitter.com/MClarke23/status/982772950708371457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Clarke retired from international cricket in 2015 after his 115th and final Test of the unsuccessful Ashes tour of England.&nbsp</p>


The right-hand batsman took to his Twitter handle to confirm the same

Hours after Michael Clarke announced to make an international cricket comeback to help his side cope up with the ball-tampering fallout, the former Australian skipper on Sunday backed out from the news. The right-hand batsman took to his Twitter handle to confirm the same. He further said that he had contacted Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland to help out the Test side following the suspensions of cricketers David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft. Clarkes' comeback news was doing the rounds after a leading publication published an article hinting that he might return as Australian skipper. "This article is out of control! &nbspLet me make very clear that I &nbsphave not sent any formal offer to James Sutherland to come back and play cricket. I sent him a message as a friend offering to help Australian cricket in ANY way I could (this could mean mentoring the under 14s)," he tweeted. This article is out of control! Let me make very clear that I have not sent any formal offer to James Sutherland to come back and play cricket. I sent him a message as a friend offering to help Australian cricket in ANY way I could (this could mean mentoring the under 14s) — Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) April 8, 2018 × I won’t be batting in the nets in India in preparation for a comeback ??? and as I have always said the game owes me nothing, I owe it everything. Have a great Sunday ?? — Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) April 8, 2018 × Clarke retired from international cricket in 2015 after his 115th and final Test of the unsuccessful Ashes tour of England.

'This article is out of control,'says Michael Clarke on his Australia comeback reports

<p>Retired cricket Test captain Michael Clarke on Sunday offered to play for Australia for free to help the team recover after the downfall of his successor Steve Smith over a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.</p>

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<p>Smith and vice-captain David Warner were stripped of their leadership roles and banned from the sport for one year after a plot to alter the ball`s condition during the third Test in March.</p>

<p>"I would do anything to help the Australian cricket team," the 37-year-old told Sydney`s Sunday Telegraph.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Age is age. Is 17 too young? I`ve never cared about age. Brad Hogg played at 45. I don`t think it`s about a number. I think it`s about commitment and devotion.</p>

<p>"It`s like getting back on a bike. I`m as fit and healthy as I`ve ever been. The time away has been great for my body."</p>

<p>The former batsman, who is in India to cover the IPL and comments on the sport for Australia`s Nine Network, said he had messaged Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland but had not received a reply.</p>

<p>The ex-skipper retired in 2015 after his 115th and final Test of the Ashes series against England and said his experience could be useful for the embattled team either on or off the field.</p>

<p>"I`ve experienced a lot of great things in cricket but some tough times as well," he told the newspaper.</p>

<p>"I`ve got the experience to help these young players and that`s where our focus should be right now until the other guys come back."</p>

<p>Smith, Warner and bowler Cameron Bancroft -- who was banned for nine months -- decided not to challenge their sanctions imposed by CA last week.</p>

<p>This means Smith and Warner will not be eligible to play for Australia until March next year, with wicketkeeper Tim Paine appointed captain.</p>

<p>Clarke said the ball-tampering affair, as Australia slips to fourth in the world Test rankings, could set the team back for years.</p>

<p>"I`m worried about it. I don`t want us to be like the West Indies," he added.</p>

<p>"We`re not talking about the next five years. It`s the next six months and we need to fix it now. If Cricket Australia asks me, I`d drop everything to help out."</p>


The ex-skipper retired in 2015 after his 115th and final Test of the Ashes series against England and said his experience could be useful for the embattled team either on or off the field.

Retired cricket Test captain Michael Clarke on Sunday offered to play for Australia for free to help the team recover after the downfall of his successor Steve Smith over a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. × Smith and vice-captain David Warner were stripped of their leadership roles and banned from the sport for one year after a plot to alter the ball`s condition during the third Test in March. "I would do anything to help the Australian cricket team," the 37-year-old told Sydney`s Sunday Telegraph. "Age is age. Is 17 too young? I`ve never cared about age. Brad Hogg played at 45. I don`t think it`s about a number. I think it`s about commitment and devotion. "It`s like getting back on a bike. I`m as fit and healthy as I`ve ever been. The time away has been great for my body." The former batsman, who is in India to cover the IPL and comments on the sport for Australia`s Nine Network, said he had messaged Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland but had not received a reply. The ex-skipper retired in 2015 after his 115th and final Test of the Ashes series against England and said his experience could be useful for the embattled team either on or off the field. "I`ve experienced a lot of great things in cricket but some tough times as well," he told the newspaper. "I`ve got the experience to help these young players and that`s where our focus should be right now until the other guys come back." Smith, Warner and bowler Cameron Bancroft -- who was banned for nine months -- decided not to challenge their sanctions imposed by CA last week. This means Smith and Warner will not be eligible to play for Australia until March next year, with wicketkeeper Tim Paine appointed captain. Clarke said the ball-tampering affair, as Australia slips to fourth in the world Test rankings, could set the team back for years. "I`m worried about it. I don`t want us to be like the West Indies," he added. "We`re not talking about the next five years. It`s the next six months and we need to fix it now. If Cricket Australia asks me, I`d drop everything to help out."

Michael Clarke offers to play for Australia after ball-tampering scandal

<p>Cricket Australia is set to reach an agreement with the players&#39; union over the pay dispute which has led to large scale discontentment among cricketers, Australian media reported.</p>

<p>Australia&#39;s top players are effectively &quot;unemployed&quot; after a five-year agreement expired on June 30. The standoff between Cricket Australia and the players reached its lowest point after Australian players decided to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-a-to-boycott-south-africa-tour-over-pay-dispute-17645">call off their tour to South Africa to play their national &quot;A&quot; team</a>.</p>

<p>Reuters quoted News Limited outlets signaling a breakthrough in talks along with Fairfax Media which said &quot;heads of agreement&quot; &nbsp;deal was close to being struck.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland plans to take the row to court if both parties fail to reach an agreement this week, Reuters said.</p>

<p>Australia is set to play two Tests against Bangladesh in August and September, before an ODI tour in India culminating with the prestigious Ashes series at home against England at the end of the year.</p>

<p>The vexed pay dispute between the players and Cricket Australia has taken centerstage in Australian cricket.&nbsp;Cricket Australia feels fixed percentage revenue model should be done away with as it undermines grassroots cricket funding but Australian cricketers believe the revenue model has been the real reason behind the game&#39;s growth in the country.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Australia's top players are effectively "unemployed" after a five-year agreement expired on June 30.

Cricket Australia is set to reach an agreement with the players' union over the pay dispute which has led to large scale discontentment among cricketers, Australian media reported. Australia's top players are effectively "unemployed" after a five-year agreement expired on June 30. The standoff between Cricket Australia and the players reached its lowest point after Australian players decided to call off their tour to South Africa to play their national "A" team. Reuters quoted News Limited outlets signaling a breakthrough in talks along with Fairfax Media which said "heads of agreement" deal was close to being struck. Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland plans to take the row to court if both parties fail to reach an agreement this week, Reuters said. Australia is set to play two Tests against Bangladesh in August and September, before an ODI tour in India culminating with the prestigious Ashes series at home against England at the end of the year. The vexed pay dispute between the players and Cricket Australia has taken centerstage in Australian cricket. Cricket Australia feels fixed percentage revenue model should be done away with as it undermines grassroots cricket funding but Australian cricketers believe the revenue model has been the real reason behind the game's growth in the country.

Cricket Australia, players union set to reach agreement over pay dispute: Report

<p>Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has described Shane Watson as part of a group that was &quot;like a tumour&quot; on the team.</p>

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<p>The batsman spoke about his stormy relationships ahead of the release of his biography in a television with Channel Nine on Sunday.</p>

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<p>Clarke talked about his 2009 dressing-room spat with Simon Katich, who grabbed the then vice-captain&rsquo;s throat during a disagreement about when the team song should be sung after Australia&#39;s Test win against South Africa, international news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>He denied branding Watson a &ldquo;cancer&rdquo;on the team, a claim that was made by Mickey Arthur in paperwork connected to the former coach&rsquo;s legal action against cricket Australia following his sacking three years ago after a 4-0 defeat in India.</p>

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<p>&quot;No, I didn&#39;t say that,&quot; Clarke said. &quot;I said that there is a number of players, or a group in this team at the moment that are like a tumour, and if we don&#39;t fix it, it&#39;s going to turn into a cancer.&quot;</p>

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<p>Asked if Watson was one of them Clarke replied: &quot;Shane was one of those players, yes.&quot;, AFP reported.</p>

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<p>&quot;I think a lot of us were getting wound up, so I think I had every reason to be pissed off,&quot; Clarke said. &quot;But I don&#39;t think my language was appropriate to Kato (Katich).&rdquo;, Clarke admitted while talking about the run-in with Katich caused a divide between him and the older players.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clarke who retired after the Ashes last year, said some of his problems started when he was appointed vice-captain to Ricky Ponting.</p>

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<p>&quot;I don&#39;t think I was a good vice-captain at all,&quot; he told the programme. &quot;As soon as I got given the vice-captaincy, I think the perception was I was automatically the next captain, and that built.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The star batsman revealed he struggled with the Public perception of his personality.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I hated not knowing why people didn&#39;t like me or why the media perception was they didn&#39;t like me,&quot; Clarke said.</p>

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<p>&quot;You know, you&#39;re selfish, you don&#39;t care about the team, you&#39;re an upstart&#39; - that was hard to deal with.&quot;</p>

<p><br />
(WION with inputs from AFP)</p>


The former Australian captain revisited old feuds with team members in a television interview ahead of the release of his autobiography

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has described Shane Watson as part of a group that was "like a tumour" on the team. The batsman spoke about his stormy relationships ahead of the release of his biography in a television with Channel Nine on Sunday. Clarke talked about his 2009 dressing-room spat with Simon Katich, who grabbed the then vice-captain’s throat during a disagreement about when the team song should be sung after Australia's Test win against South Africa, international news agency AFP reported. He denied branding Watson a “cancer”on the team, a claim that was made by Mickey Arthur in paperwork connected to the former coach’s legal action against cricket Australia following his sacking three years ago after a 4-0 defeat in India. "No, I didn't say that," Clarke said. "I said that there is a number of players, or a group in this team at the moment that are like a tumour, and if we don't fix it, it's going to turn into a cancer." Asked if Watson was one of them Clarke replied: "Shane was one of those players, yes.", AFP reported. "I think a lot of us were getting wound up, so I think I had every reason to be pissed off," Clarke said. "But I don't think my language was appropriate to Kato (Katich).”, Clarke admitted while talking about the run-in with Katich caused a divide between him and the older players. Clarke who retired after the Ashes last year, said some of his problems started when he was appointed vice-captain to Ricky Ponting. "I don't think I was a good vice-captain at all," he told the programme. "As soon as I got given the vice-captaincy, I think the perception was I was automatically the next captain, and that built." The star batsman revealed he struggled with the Public perception of his personality. "I hated not knowing why people didn't like me or why the media perception was they didn't like me," Clarke said. "You know, you're selfish, you don't care about the team, you're an upstart' - that was hard to deal with." (WION with inputs from AFP)

Shane Watson part of Aussie team tumour: Michael Clarke

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