Spin legend Shane Warne feels four-time champions Australia will not win the Cricket World Cup without Michael Clarke.The 31-year-old skipper was injured during the first Test against India in Adelaide and Steve Smith and George Bailey took over the captaincy duties in Tests and ODIs respectively. "I don't think Australia can win the World Cup without Clarke," Warne told Sky Sports.
"We all admire Clarke's imagination and flair as a captain so I would get him in for that first game if he proves his fitness and say: 'This is our side, let's get out and play'." "Good bowlers can bowl at George Bailey and make him unable to hurt you, so I would say if Clarke is fit he drops out, as the rest of the top five - David Warner, Aaron Finch, Shane Watson and Steve Smith - picks itself," Warne said.
Clarke ready to play under Smith
Sydney: Battling to regain fitness from a hamstring injury, Michael Clarke on Monday said that he is ready to play under the leadership of young Steven Smith. Clarke said that he has no problems with Smith as captain. "Most definitely I would," Clarke replied on being asked on Triple M radio if he would play under Smith's leadership.
"I feel for him because I sat in his shoes when a lot of the media were calling for (former captain) Ricky Ponting. It's certainly not personal between Smithy and I. We've been friends for a long time and we'll always be," he added.