Clarke-Bingle break-up likely, as Australia announce Test squad
Michael Clarke has not been selected for the two Test match series against New Zealand, because he has not yet made himself available for the same. Clarke had to fly back to Australia in the middle of the New Zealand tour a couple of days and the selectors, who had to name a squad on Wednesday were left without knowing whether or not he will play a part in the squad.
Clarke’s problems were related to his fiancé whose nude pictures were being circulated in a magazine and had caused immense stress to their engagement impending marriage. According to news reports in Australia, the Clarke-Bingle relationship is on the rocks and could see a break-up happening. In fact, according to News.com.au, Bingle was resigned to the likelihood Clarke may ask her to move out.
Clarke has been highly criticised by many of the Australian fans, for putting his issues with his fiancé over international cricket. Some have said that Clarke can bid adieu to his aspirations to become a Test match captain if he continued to put his personal life over his professional.
The Aussies announced a squad that saw two new guys coming into the team. There are Ryan Harris, who has played in 11 ODIs and boasts of some excellent numbers – 28 wickets at less than 15 runs per wicket – and Steve Smith, who have been included in the side. Harris may not get a chance to bowl apart from injuries, but it will be interesting to see whether Smith gets a nod ahead of Nathan Hauritz, their frontline spinner. Smith is a leg-spinning all-rounder, and this may be a case of the Aussies trying to groom a spinner for their side.
Marcus North is retained in the squad despite his poor form.
The Australian squad for the Tests against New Zealand is as follows:
Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Phillip Hughes, Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Clint McKay, Doug Bollinger.
Related posts:
- Michael Clarke returns home from New Zealand
- Vettori, Clarke support Warner’s switch-hit, others divided
- England exclude Alastair Cook from World T20 squad
- Afridi, Razzaq sign up for Hampshire’s T20 squad
- Preview of third ODI between Australia and New Zealand and live streaming options
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Posted by Sam
on Mar 10 2010. Filed under Cricket News.
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[...] Clarke to return back for Tests, Sinclair recalled Author: Admin – Cricket Diaries Michael Clarke has confirmed that he will return to New Zealand to play in the Test matches against New Zealand. Clarke had returned back to Australia to deal with the breaking down of his two year old engagement, after his fiancé, Lara Bingle was involved in a nude picture controversy. [...]