The Aussie’s may have won the World Cup Cricket final with a convincing win over New Zealand last night, but lost captain Michael Clarke, as he announced his retirement from the One Day International side on Saturday.
Clarke, 33 and a veteran of 245 One Day international games, is no longer confident that his body can maintain peak condition for the 2019 World Cup. He also stated that his successor should have a full four-year settling in period ahead of the 2019 World Cup, just as he enjoyed when Ricky Ponting resigned four years ago in India.
“I think it’s the right time for me and the Australian cricket team. I was very fortunate four years ago to get the opportunity to captain this great team and that was really good preparation for me leading up to this World Cup. I think the next Australian captain deserves this opportunity,” said Clarke. “I don’t think it’s realistic that I’ll be fit and healthy and available to play the next World Cup. I believe it’s the right time.”
Known affectionately by his teammates as ‘Pup’, Clarke bowed out of the one-day format in style, with a captain’s knock of 74 last night in the World Cup Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. And while it looked to be a fairy-tale ending for the captain, he lost his wicket a mere eight runs from the total required for victory. He walked off the ground with his head and his bat held high – and there even looked to be a twinkling of a tear in his eyes.
The search for his replacement now begins, which will be no easy feat, but popular candidates include new hero Steve Smith and World Cup vice-captain George Bailey.
Why not watch the highlights of the World Cup Final?
