Given Australia’s poor fortunes in this series, he may not have had that luxury had he continued playing. “The time is right”, the 34-year-old said.
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England lead the series 3-1 with one match to play at the Oval starting on August 20.
Clarke, whose back problem severely hampered his career progress, retired from ODIs after leading Australia to a fifth World Cup title this year.
“The decision is never easy”.
Clarke now averages 16.71 for the series, the worst performer among Australia’s recognised batsmen who have played more than two tests in the series.
“He leaves the game as one of our all-time greats…We wish Michael well for his final Test match and thank him for his outstanding service to the game”. I have to be aware of that as well and know that physically, I’m possibly past my prime…
“I don’t blame anyone in the changing room, but I haven’t led from the front”.
But the opener had only two more runs when Root took an even better catch in the same position, diving one-handed away to his left, and this time Stokes had some foot behind the line.
“They were both extremely respectful and thankful for what I’ve given Australian cricket”. “He’s the best player of spin I bowled at and a bloody good bloke to boot”, Graeme Swann also praised the outgoing Australia captain. That’s the most disappointing part.
Dropped Australian all-rounder Shane Watson says he has no plans to walk away from cricket and hasn’t given up on a Test recall. I believe I’ve been blessed to have the career I’ve had.
“I feel so proud of these boys, it’s been an incredible turnaround since Australia 18 months ago and to do what they’ve done without the injured Jimmy Anderson, is incredible”.
Were Clarke to stand down, heir apparent Steven Smith would likely become Australia’s captain for their next Test series in Bangladesh.
As to where his preferred position would be, Burns’ versatility might be a string to his bow, having shown solid form in the middle order early in his career and in Test cricket, while earning selection based on his opening form for the Bulls.
And while he points out that Australia is blessed for all-round talent with the likes of Marsh, Faulkner, Moises Henriques and Marcus Stoinis plying their trade in first-class and limited-overs competitions, his advice to them would be to find a manageable medium. “You should be remembered as a great captain”.
“Someone told us to watch the Ashes from behind the sofa”, Cook said with a smile. There’s no doubt we’ll bounce back – it will take a lot of hard work, but the potential is there and the work ethic is there.
As for his own role, Bayliss said: “I just do things the way I’ve always done them”.
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“It’s obviously a tough time. England deserve so much credit – they outclassed us in this series and we need to learn from the way we performed”.
