Michael Clarke
The 2nd Test Match in Adelaide which England won with an innings and 71 runs, rubbing Australia’s nose in their own home grounds was one of the best defeats of Australia seen by our present generation.
But what was most surprising in this match was not Graeme Swann or Pietersen’s brilliance, but Michael Clarke, Marcus North and umpire Tony Hill.
The Australian side is always the first to criticize a batsman from another country when he has not walked back to the Pavilion knowing full well that he is out. Michael Clarke and Marcus North did exactly that in full awareness that they were clearly out even though Tony Hill on both occasions gave a not out decision. If not for England’s referral’s on both the batsman at different durations, the match might have ended differently.
Michael Clarke on 80 at the end of day 4 refused to walk even though he knew he had hit the ball, but still had to put England through the drama of asking for a referral on Tony Hill’s decision of not out. The replay showed what was obvious and Clarke had to walk out in shame rather than with his integrity intact.
Marcus North who got out to a plum lbw (leg before wicket) refused to walk as Umpire Tony Hill once again gave it not out. Everyone except probably him seemed to see that he had knocked the pad first before the bat and would have hit the stumps. Graeme Swann wanted a referral which proved with the replays that he was indeed out.
Michael Clarke, relatively an asset for the Australian team can afford to be up to his tricks occasionally without much fear of losing his place in the team but Marcus North may not enjoy the same freedom.
At least now it is clear to everyone, Australian batsman will do anything when desperate and no amount of apology tweeting from Michael Clarke about how his emotions got it the way can change that fact.
Tags: Ashes Series, Australia, Cricket, England, Graeme Swann, Marcus North, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Sports, The Ashes, Tony Hill
