MICHAEL CLARKE: WHY THIS IS A DEFINING MOMENT FOR CAPTAIN STEVE SMITH
MICHAEL Clarke has put the heat on Steve Smith by declaring this Ashes series will ultimately be decided by the better captain.
The former Test skipper said there was enormous pressure on key figures in Australian cricket pending the outcome of this summer now that the side is languishing at No.5 in the world.
Clarke wants to see Smith forge his own leadership “identity” against England and is intrigued by whether the 28year-old endorses or dismisses David Warner’s pre-series calls for Australia to unleash fullblown aggression on their opponents.
Clarke wants Warner given a licence to be in the middle of everything.
All the build-up has centred on Ben Stokes, bowling attacks and weak batting orders but Clarke is predicting the series will be so tight it will come down to a battle of the minds.
It’s Steve Smith v Joe Root and Clarke has called on his successor to announce himself at the Gabba.
“This is his chance to really stand up and shine,” Clarke said.
“His batting is a given. He’s been on fire and he’ll continue to make runs ... but I think whoever captains the best out of Joe Root and Steve Smith will win the series.
“Australia are ranked fifth in the world. If we lose this series, there’s going to be pressure on a few people.
“This is their chance to not only win the Ashes but to turn that around.”
Clarke believes the side Australia has picked for the first Test is good enough to get past England and start its climb back to the top of the rankings in all three formats.
However, he is sensing an Ashes series in which very little separates the two teams.
Clarke has identified vicecaptain Warner as the key man for Australia’s fortunes, calling on Smith to use him as the chief intimidator — particularly in the field.
The former captain said Warner could not be put in far away positions in the field and should be around the bat at backward point where he can influence Australia’s tempo and put pressure on England.