Published: Aug 22, 2015, 10:14 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 22, 2015, 10:19 AM (IST)
Michael Clarke‘s decision to retire has resulted in polarised opinions from all quarters. While John Buchanan, Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds have critcised Clarke’s captaincy skills after he announced retirement, Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting have put their weight behind the retiring captain. Clarke’s teammates though had kind words to say about him. Among those who paid tribute include the incumbent coach Darren Lehmann and captain-to-be Steven Smith. ALSO READ: John Buchanan criticises Clarke’s captaincy
“He’s certainly one of the best players to have put the baggy green cap on. Certainly the best player that I’ve ever played with and the best captain that I’ve ever had as well. He’s leaving behind a huge legacy,” said Matthew Wade in a video by cricket.com.au.
Darren Lehmann, the Australia coach said, “he’s been a great player for Australia for many years. He obviously had a lot of highs and the last couple of years as coach, he’s been a joy to work with. The results we’ve had (including) the Ashes at home and the World Cup at home. Winning those were outstanding achievements.
“He’s been a magnificent leader, he’s led from the front for a long time and he leaves the game in a good place,” said the newly-crowned Australian captain Steven Smith. Adam Voges reminisced of his time with Clarke since younger days. “I’ve played with him in the Australia Under-19, we go back a long way and he’s had a wonderful career.
“We’ve had some great times and we’ve enjoyed some tough times together,” said off-spinner Nathan Lyon. “He leaves the game as one of the greats in our time, that’s something to be very proud off. From a personal point of view, I think he’s been outstanding. He’s a natural and fantastic leader,” said Chris Rogers who is also set to retire following the ongoing fifth Test of the current match.
