Thaindian News

Melbourne, Apr 2(ANI): Former Australian batsman Dean Jones has said that new captain Michael Clarke’s first job is to win the players’ respect, and that comes from leading by example.

“I remember when Mark Taylor was first appointed captain while Bob Simpson was coach. When the warm-ups were finished, Simpson was about to make a big speech to the team when ‘Tubby’ said: “Thanks Bob, I will take it from here.” Everyone knew then and there who was the boss. Clarke needs to do the same. Let everyone know he has a handle on everything: selection, tactics, strategies, practice routines and player management,” Jones wrote in an article for the Sydney Morning Herald.

“But Clarke’s first job is to work on his game. Other great Test captains have won respect by making tough runs in pressure times; Clarke has lacked a significant innings for some time and is due.”

“The respect from the players will then shine through and the respect, love and admiration from the public will follow,” he added.

Jones further said that the major reason for Clarke’s success was his great footwork, but that needs some remedial work.

“He is seen to be pulling off the front foot and not watching the ball release from the bowler’s hand. His first step towards spinners is too small, he doesn’t get down the pitch quickly enough and gets into all sorts of strife. He needs some serious net practice and after the Bangladesh tour, that should be his first priority,” Jones wrote. (ANI)