Virat Kohli and Steve Smith are on even keel as far as leadership qualities are concerned, feels former Australia skipper Michael Clarke, even though he rates the Indian captain as a slightly better ODI batsman.
Asked who is a better batsman and leader among the two contemporary greats, Clarke observed:
Virat is a better ODI batsman, but just about that. Smith perhaps is better in longer format. In terms of captaincy, both are equal and they are improving. At the moment, Virat is on top as his team is winning. But again, irrespective of the number of runs you score, what matters is whether your team is winning matches or not.
Harbhajan Singh, during the last Test series, had stirred the hornet's nest by terming the Australian side as the weakest ever to tour India, and even predicting a 4-0 whitewash. Australia eventually did much better to lose 1-2.
Clarke was asked the same question about whether this side, led by Smith, is the weakest to tour India, considering it did not even qualify for the Champions Trophy semi-final.
Clarke's sense of humour came to the fore as he came up with a cheeky response.
"I am silly but I am not that silly to give you a front- page headline for tomorrow's newspaper!" he answered with a wry smile, as everyone had a good laugh.
On a serious note, he said:
Obviously, this is an opportunity for this Australian side to translate their potential into consistent performance. This team needs to back its talent as there’s enough talent in the squad.
Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim
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