Michael Clarke Slams Critics, Calls Allegation of him Help Creating a Culture for Ball-Tampering 'Misleading'

Former Australia captain, Michael Clarke has angrily rejected suggestions that he had helped create a culture that led to ball-tampering scandal, slamming a leading broadcaster as a ‘headline-chasing coward.’ Moreover, Clarke says Australia should seek respect which would pave the way for greatness in the future. Meanwhile, India and Australia would face-off in four-match Tests, which begins on December 6th in Adelaide.

The allegations are misleading – Michael

“Australian cricket, I think, needs to stop worrying about being liked and start worrying about being respected,” Clarke said.

Furthermore, the former Aussie batsman made criticising attempts to improve the team’s image. He insisted Australia won’t win a game without their infamous abrasive attitude on the field.

“Play tough Australian cricket. Whether we like it or not, that’s in our blood.” Long-time Clarke rival Simon Katich blasted him for “once again … missing the point”, saying the team were caught “blatantly cheating” and that “our behaviour is a big part of that.” he added.

Furthermore, Michael Clarke said he would not stand by while ‘my leadership my integrity’ got attacked. However, insisting his conduct as an honest and rules-based captain had never been questioned, Clarke slammed the critics.

“For Gerard Whateley to insinuate that I am responsible for the ball-tampering issue makes him nothing more than a headline-chasing coward,” Clarke wrote.

“If you think that the current No.1 team in the world in cricket right now puts being liked as of higher importance than being respected and playing to win inside the rules of our game than you’re as delirious as you are ill-informed.” Michael Clarke further added.

Coach Darren Lehmann quit in the wake of the controversy

However, Steven Smith, Davis Warner, and Cameron Bancroft received a lengthy ban. Moreover, the affair also claimed the scalps of Cricket Australia chief executive, James Sutherland and chairman, David Peever.

Meanwhile, Australia had a weak form and had lost 17 games out of 24 in all the formats. As of now, they will play a home Test series against top-ranked India starting on December 6.