Clarke: Curators must think for themselves

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has implored ground curators to produced Test decks that they think will result in a good match, rather than giving in to the wishes of the home board and media.
There was a lot of talk during the Ashes series, which England won 3-2, about the tracks, and with none of the games going to five days, Clarke felt the groundsmen 'overcompensated' and made them too bowler-friendly.
Clarke, who retired after the series, said after the fifth Test: "I'd like to see groundsmen around the world – not just here – have the courage to go with what they think is a good cricket wicket.
"I think we've seen in the first two Test matches a lot of talk from the media and the commentators – how flat the wickets were, yet those two Test matches were over in four days.
"One team won and one team lost. The next three are over in two and a half and three days. I think Test cricket is a five-day battle.
"I want to see good and fair cricket for both batters and bowlers. I think that's the way the game should be played, and, most importantly, I want to see a winner and a loser.
"But if the groundsman feels he knows how to produce a good wicket that will be a great battle of Test match cricket then I'd like to see them back themselves and go with that and not be persuaded by what's said in the media or what the commentators say."
The now former skipper said he felt bad for the fans who'd bought tickets for days four and five, with day five buyers not getting a single day of action in the series.
He added: "Cardiff and Lord's, we did see some really good cricket. I'm not saying the wickets were fantastic – don't get me wrong – but we've seen a winner and a loser over four days.
"I think the past three Test matches have not been that case. People have tickets for today to watch a whole day's play and tomorrow, and the same for Edgbaston and Nottingham.
"The fans of the game deserve to see a really good contest for five days."
Latest
-
News
When Virat Kohli felt like the ‘loneliest guy in the world’
India captain Virat Kohli has shed some light on a time in his career where he felt like the “loneliest guy in the world”.
-
News
Jonny Bairstow says IPL stints can improve England players
In years gone by the IPL presented a major bone of contention for players like Kevin Pietersen and the ECB.
-
News
England all-rounder Moeen Ali joins Chennai Super Kings in 2021 IPL auction
Moeen found himself at the centre of a battle for his services.
-
News
Glenn Maxwell joins his dream team after IPL auction bidding war
Glenn Maxwell will get to share a dressing room with his idol AB de Villiers when the 2021 IPL gets underway.
-
News
India stars make rankings charge after mammoth win
India’s second Test heroes have been rewarded with progress in the latest ICC Test rankings.
-
News
Chris Silverwood apologises over way Moeen Ali’s departure was communicated
It has been established that Moeen is merely taking his own allocated break period.
-
News
‘The decision was ours’ – Chris Silverwood clarifies reason for Moeen Ali exit
Captain Joe Root said in a post-match press conference on Tuesday that the all-rounder had “chosen” to leave the tour of India.
-
News
David Warner makes himself available for The Hundred draft
Over 500 players are chasing the remaining 35 selection slots.
-
News
Shubman Gill and Umesh Yadav named in India squad
Gill was hit on the left forearm while fielding at short leg during the hosts’ series-levelling win in the second Test at Chennai.
-
News
‘My heart is clear and time is right’ – Faf Du Plessis retires from Test cricket
The former Proteas captain scored 4,163 runs at an average of 40.02 in his 69 Tests.