The Aussies not only lost the Test series 0-4 against MS Dhoni’s India but were also hit hard after four players were dropped from Test duties after they failed to complete a homework task given by the then coach Mickey Arthur. ‘India by far was the toughest period of my captaincy,’ Clarke was quoted saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘In the build up to that event (homework-gate), there were a number of things that occurred over a long period of time; it wasn’t just that event. Mickey drew a line in the sand and yes, I was a part of it, I stand by that, but I don’t regret it one bit. I backed my coach, I supported him and I believe the decision, especially now that I look back, was the best decision for Australian cricket,’ said Clarke.
Arthur was subsequently removed from coaching duties and Clarke also had to face his share of brickbats after the drubbing. But the right-handed batsman said he was more concerned about the team’s reputation. ‘I was more disappointed and upset at the fact that a team I was captaining was labelled the worst Australia team to tour India; I blame me,’ he said.
After resounding victories against England and South Africa early this year, the Aussies are looking ahead to hosting India in a four-Test series in December-January this season.
‘In the build up to that event (homework-gate), there were a number of things that occurred over a long period of time; it wasn’t just that event. Mickey drew a line in the sand and yes, I was a part of it, I stand by that, but I don’t regret it one bit. I backed my coach, I supported him and I believe the decision, especially now that I look back, was the best decision for Australian cricket,’ said Clarke.
Arthur was subsequently removed from coaching duties and Clarke also had to face his share of brickbats after the drubbing. But the right-handed batsman said he was more concerned about the team’s reputation. ‘I was more disappointed and upset at the fact that a team I was captaining was labelled the worst Australia team to tour India; I blame me,’ he said.
After resounding victories against England and South Africa early this year, the Aussies are looking ahead to hosting India in a four-Test series in December-January this season.