Clarke denies rift with Watson

South Africa turn to spin for Adelaide Test starting today.

ADELAIDE:

Australia captain Michael Clarke denied any rift with vice-captain Shane Watson as the all-rounder was ruled out of the second Test against South Africa starting today.

Watson has been troubled by a calf injury and tried this week to prove his fitness after missing the drawn series-opener in Brisbane earlier this month. But Clarke said doubts about Watson’s injury prompted Australia to go with an unchanged team for the second Test in Adelaide.

“He has improved a lot over the last few days, but is probably a few days short of being 100%,” said Clarke before adding that his vice-captain would have time to get himself right for the third Test, which starts in Perth four days after the scheduled end of the Adelaide showdown.

“Once we got here, our intent was to give Watson every chance, as a very important player and vice-captain of the team but unfortunately we’ve run out of time.”

The captain dismissed speculation of a rift with Watson, stressing there was no communication breakdown with his deputy. Clarke said he was aware of rumours suggesting he and Watson were failing to see eye-to-eye, but added that both senior players had a good personal and professional relationship.

“Watson and I, our friendship and our professional relationship when it comes to captain and vice-captain, is as close as I can certainly ask for.”

South Africa bring in Tahir, Faf

South Africa have made two changes meanwhile, bringing in leg-spinner Imran Tahir and all-rounder Faf du Plessis, who will make his debut.

Tahir replaces paceman Rory Kleinveldt, who went wicketless in the drawn Brisbane Test, while Du Plessis plays in place of the injured JP Duminy. Skipper Graeme Smith said Tahir would be the frontline spinner on an Adelaide Oval pitch expected to take wear as the match goes on.

“The majority of the time we like to go in with a spinner,” said Smith of Tahir’s selection. “I think Brisbane was a slight change for us in terms of tactics, but it’s back to normal now and we’re looking forward to him hopefully playing a big part in this Test.”

Smith said it was a great opportunity for Du Plessis, who has played 26 One-Day Internationals and four Twenty20 internationals for his country.

“The fact that he’s making his debut is exciting, it’s a wonderful opportunity for Faf. I think he’s had a high standard in the last few years and has performed well. He’s played a role in the one-day and Twenty20 formats and I know he’s
really excited to get the opportunity to play Test cricket.”

Clarke

“Once we got here, our intent was to give Watson every chance, as a very important player and vice-captain of the team but unfortunately we’ve run out of time.”

 Smith

“Brisbane was a slight change for us in terms of tactics, but it’s back to normal now and we’re looking forward to him hopefully playing a big part in this Test.”

 Ponting

“I don’t care if you’re a batsman and a slip fielder. If you can’t bat at 100% in the middle and contribute to the team, then you are putting pressure on other blokes as well.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2012.