It was the fifth game of Commonwealth Bank tri-series cricket match. Australia were chasing a seemingly easy target of 211 against their continental twin New Zealand. Gilchrist got out early without scoring much. We were all expecting the warrior-like brisk walk of Ricky Ponting to the crease. But in came Michael Clarke, with his cat-like timidity. Commentators of Channel couldn’t resist the temptation of praising the Aussie strategy of grooming Michael Clarke into a future Ricky Ponting by promoting him to one-down spot. Some even wondered whether this is going to be a part of the Aussie strategy for this year’s world cup. After all not for nothing Australia’s coach John Buchanan is nicknamed ‘Pluto’ – ostensibly for manufacturing out of the world ideas. Australia won the match narrowly by two wickets thanks to a patient innings by Mike Hussey. And it was Hussey who let the cat out of the bag regarding the strategy of promoting Michael Clarke. This is an excerpt from the report on The Hindu dated 23/01/07:
“ But team mate Mike Hussey said on Monday that Ponting was meant to bat in his normal spot at the fall of the wicket, but was caught with his pants down. ‘It was a quick toilet break and he couldn’t get his gear back on quickly enough,’ Hussey said.”
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