Australian Skipper Michael Clarke To Quit ODI Cricket Sunday After World Cup Final
28 March,Melbourne
Australian Skipper Michael Clarke has announced his retirement from One Day International cricket after tomorrow’s World Cup final againsts co-hosts New Zealand at Melbourne.
The stylish right-hander announced his retirement at the pre-match media conference in Melbourne Saturday .
However, Clarke, who retired from the Twenty-20 format in 2011, will continue to play for Australia in Tests. The captain, who has struggled for continuity in ODIs due to injury, reiterated his priority was to remain a key player for Australia in Test cricket for as long as possible.
The final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) would be Clarke’s 245th and final ODI. The 33-year-old said he is not confident his body will allow him to be in peak condition for the 2019 edition.
Clarke, who is just four days short of his 34th birthday, has played 244 ODIs till now, scoring 7,907 runs, at an average of 44.42. He has to his name 8 hundreds and 57 half-centuries.
Clarke made his ODI debut against England at Adelaide on January 19, 2003. Thereon he played 244 ODIs, scoring 7,907 runs at an average of 44.42.
The New South Wales player did not consider Sunday’s match to be any more significant because of his decision.
“It’s a special game, there’s no doubt about it, but it needs to be about the team and I want it to be about the team. It’s not emotion, it’s skill that helps you win major games and tournaments and Sunday will be no different. It’s no more special because it’s my last game,” he said.
The right-hand batsman wants his successor to have a full four-year period to mould the team ahead of the next mega event, just as he has had following Ricky Ponting’s resignation four years ago after the team’s quarterfinal elimination in India.
The next Australian captain deserves this opportunity. 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,” Clarke said.