Published: Aug 25, 2015, 03:30 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 25, 2015, 03:30 PM (IST)
Newly appointed Test captain Steven Smith congratulated Michael Clarke on a successful career and expressed pleasure playing under him. Clarke retired from international cricket after playing the fifth and final Ashes Test between Australia and England at The Oval, which the visitors won by an innings and 46 runs. Smith took to Twitter, first wishing Nathan Lyon a safe journey home and then wishing Clarke. “Congrats @MClarke23 on a magnificent career. A fantastic player and captain. It was a pleasure playing under you (sic),” tweeted Smith. Ahead of the final Test Clarke announced that he would retire after the final Test.
Congrats @MClarke23 on a magnificent career. A fantastic player and captain. It was a pleasure playing under you.
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) August 25, 2015
Clarke said, “I want to play the last Test at The Oval and give it one more crack. the time is right.You never want to walk away. My performances over the past 12 months have not been acceptable to me.Test cricket is about the Ashes. We tried our best, I certainly tried my best but we got outplayed.It’s time for the next generation.”
He continued, “I made a decision last night after I got home after the day’s play. I didn’t know until I made the decision. It’s the right time. Boys were surprised, I don’t think they expected me to walk away right now. I owe the game everything. I’ll take so many memories away. I’m looking forward to sitting and cheering the boys on. It’s the right time. Hopefully I’ll get a microphone and sit beside you in the commentary box if Channel Nine will have me.”
