Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie believes the fitness of Michael Clarke will be the crucial factor when it comes to choosing the Australia captain for this summer’s Ashes series in England.
Reports in Australia have suggested that senior officials of Cricket Australia are considering the permanent appointment of Steve Smith as captain.
Smith took over from the injured Clarke after the first Test against India last month and led the side to a series victory as well as finishing as the highest run scorer in the series.
The 25-year-old has remained in charge, and in form, for the Tri-Series against England and India, but Clarke, 33, will lead the side in the World Cup as long as he proves his fitness.
When asked about the prospect of Smith replacing Clarke on a permanent basis, Gillespie, who is now first-team coach at Yorkshire, told Sky Sports News HQ: “That’s an interesting one, (but) that’s just reports in the media at this stage. I think that until we get that confirmed – if we get that confirmed – you know it is a bit of rumour and conjecture.
“What I can say is that Steve Smith has done a fantastic job in Michael Clarke’s absence. To be perfectly honest I think it will come down to the fitness of Michael Clarke. It’s well known he has had a lot of injury trouble in the recent past.
“He has managed himself wonderfully well over many years, he’s hardly missed any Test cricket, which is a testament to Michael keeping himself fit and strong. But he is on the wrong side of 30, I suppose, and he has had some more issues very recently.
“I think it’s just a conversation to have between the selectors, the coach and the captain on the best way forward.
“All in all, I think cricket in Australia is in a pretty healthy place and you’ve got a captain that’s done as well as Michael Clarke has and the opportunity has been given to a young man like Steve Smith who’s taken to it like a duck to water, this Test captaincy.
“There’s going to be some tough decisions for Cricket Australia, but I’m sure some good conversations will be had and the right decisions will be made.”
