Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid and the ex-South African captain Graeme Smith have criticized the selection of Michael Clarke in Australia’s World Cup squad and have said that his return might disturb the balance of their playing eleven.
During an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Dravid said:
“Without him (Clarke) being in the squad and you just bring Steven Smith into it, they don’t look a weaker side at all.
“In fact, some people might argue they actually look a better side.
“I just hope it is not an emotional decision.
“You just felt they had to take this decision. It’s almost a very un-Australian decision.”
Graeme Smith also mentioned that when Clarke returns, it would get difficult for the in-form Steven Smith to find a place in the line-up.
“It is a hard pressure environment and Michael has been an outstanding captain but is more of an abrasive personality within the squad,” Smith said.
“It’s going to be interesting to see now that they’ve been under Steven Smith for the last three-four months, if Michael moves back into that space how that shifts the personality of the team.
“If Clarke plays, does Smith play? It’s almost hard to find a position for both of them.”