Michael learns to rock

As India celebrates Irfan Pathan8217;s graduation from junior cricket to the topmost level, the Australians have been appreciating the skil...

As India celebrates Irfan Pathan8217;s graduation from junior cricket to the topmost level, the Australians have been appreciating the skills of their own new find. Amid the host of worn out Australian faces stands 22-year-old Michael Clarke, his performances through the tour and at the TVS Cup in India earlier ample proof that he could well be the face of Australian cricket a few years down the line.

That we might be witnessing the last hurrah for one of the greatest teams in cricket history has been well documented. Questions about Australia8217;s Generation Next have also been raised and the answers, more often than not, have been at the wrong end of the 20s. Not a good omen.

Then comes Clarke.

The Melbourne final was a prime example of what Clarke is capable of. Not with the bat. Not with the ball. But on the field, when Hemang Badani and Ajit Agarkar were seeking to bring India back into the match, and fielders like Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist, Brad Williams and even Ricky Ponting were making basic errors. It took two brilliant Clarke throws from the deep to effect crucial dismissals and the game was back with the champions. Calm and collected, Clarke has a mind a few years ahead of his age. And a comparison with players of his age group in India 8212; Yuvraj Singh, Mohammed Kaif and Virender Sehwag, say 8212; and a check on their consistency tells you where Clarke is coming from and where he might end up.

Indian cricketers first saw Clarke during the TVS Cup triangular. At the time, Clarke had played five ODIs, scored 209 at an average of 104.5 with two 50s; still, India were caught unawares. Since then, he has continued in the same vein: Slogging when seventh in around the 40th over, building innings when in early, and breaking partnerships whenever tossed the ball.

Perhaps Clarke8217;s greatest asset, in a system that values team players and quiet men, is his willingness to shun the limelight. When the Aussies were in town last October, they held, as usual, a group press conference where the entire team was made available to reporters.

Clarke was left alone; no Indian journo was clued in about the youngster and no one approached him for a Q038;A. Did he fret? No. He hung around people like Damien Martyn, Bevan, Matthew Hayden and Andy Bichel all hounded by the Indian media, listened to the questions and answers, took notes in a little black book, smiled when Martyn indicated him as 8216;8216;a superb, talented player8217;8217;, and walked away.

Since then, we8217;ve seen him play. We8217;ve seen him beat the stuffing out of Indian bowlers. We8217;ve seen him bring off stunners in the outfield and in close. He seems to have everything it takes to be a champion cricketer and it8217;s evident that he is just biding his time.