Published: Jul 08, 2015, 07:45 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 08, 2015, 02:40 PM (IST)
Australia and England are all set to resume their rivalry in whites on cricket field, with plenty at stakes for both. The same applies for their respective captains Michael Clarke and Alastair Cook, who could be playing their last Ashes series as captains. Devarchit Varma says why The Ashes 2015 will be the toughest test for these two men.
None among them can be termed truly a born leader. While ‘Pup’ learned captaincy skills under a plethora of legends of the sport and graduated among the toughest of the men to go on to lead a champion side like Australia, ‘Chef’ turned out to the most dedicated man, desperate to put his life if need be to make England succeed. As the two captains lead their teams into yet another battle for the urn which promises to be as fierce as seen in the recent past, the occasion also presents these two seasoned warriors to prove their leadership acumen and win personal battles as well.
Ashes 2015 is going to be significantly different from its 2013 version, wherein Cook’s men prevailed over Clarke’s with tremendous ease — or at least that is what the score line suggests. Back then, Australia had only started to find their feet after being pummelled by controversies, and England were still flourishing with a set-up that had done wonders for them. ALSO READ: England must cope with Mitchell Johnson better, says Alastair Cook
But the series starting Wednesday will have no similarities — at least in the build-up — to 2013: both Australia and England will feel they are up for their toughest challenge.
Players from both teams have had their share of blabbering on sledging, but we know that none will back down if an opportunity arises. David Warner may be on the watch of the game’s administrators, but he is too fierce a character to remain quiet for five Tests. James Anderson has portrayed himself innocent for far too long, but it will not be surprising if he is spurred to move his hand to cover the mouth and utter words no one will hear barring the batsman. ALSO READ: James Anderson gives up on sledging
Australia and England may have a battery of coaches around the men who will eventually win the series for their respective teams, but the true test lies in the minds of the captains. The strategies, the men to execute them, the Plan Bs and even the fallback options will be key to Clarke and Cook.
One must not forget they are expected to score as well. Heavily. Time and again they have proved their mettle, but the additional pressure that dawns upon the Australian and English captains in the conquest of the urn is something Clarke and Cook can do nothing about but embrace.
The English media has already begun discussing Cook’s final days as captain. Maybe these are his last days as captain. Even if he wins it, the mindboggling rise of ‘New England’ has provoked huge interest in promoting young talent; it will not be surprising if someone younger is handed over the responsibility. If he loses, Cook knows his time will not last too long. The drawn series against West Indies and New Zealand have somewhere told England’s administrators about Cook’s failure to impose results — especially when things are not alright. ALSO READ: Australia likely to win Ashes 2015, says Kevin Pietersen
It is nothing less than a miracle to see Clarke heading series after series, despite breaking down on a regular basis by his fragile back. Nevertheless, the resolve remains intact. Clarke is 34. He does not score as heavily as he is known for. He has far too much to handle. Still he keeps battling his way to success and glory, through runs and wins.
But this cannot last forever. It is too good to last for long. In all probability, this is Clarke’s last Ashes as captain, like it is for many of his mates from the ‘Dad’s Army’.
Both Clarke and Cook have been excellent ambassadors of the game. Whoever lifts the urn a few weeks from now will be a deserving winner. But before that, they have many a battle to win, many a run to score, many a catch to take, many a strategy to derive, and many a way to lead their team to glory. A true test of character for both, Clarke and Cook. ALSO READ: Australia will play ‘hard but fair’ in the Ashes 2015
(Devarchit Varma is a reporter with CricketCountry. He can be followed on Twitter @Devarchit)
