Australia’s departing captain had flown the family over for his final Test,which is just as well as Channel 9 back home was showing adverts when he was applauded to the wicket and given a guard of honourIt was odd that England should form a guard of honour for Michael Clarke when he arrived at the crease but not unprecedented. They did the same for Don Bradman in 1948, a parallel that Clarke might be pleased. Moreover, and in more recent times the “greats” believe often been accorded this ritual and no one really quibbles about Clarke deserving such a public acknowledgment of his career.
No,this is what was odd: that England should form their guard of honour on the first day in Australia’s first innings. Had they arrive to the conclusion that Clarke would bat only once in this match? Did they calculate that the Australians were going to score so many runs in their first innings that a second knock for Clarke would never arrive to pass? whether so, whatever happened to all that positive thinking?Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com