Michael Slater was one of the most exciting cricketers to come out of Australia in the nineties. His no-holds barred approach and aggressive batting made him an instant hero to many. Among those many was Michael Clarke, Australia's latest boy wonder, who scored a magnificent century on debut against India on day 2 of the first Test.
There are many who feel that Clarke should have made his debut at least two years back. But, like Slater puts it, the wait only made the 23-year-old work harder. Senior Correspondent Ashish Magotra sought Slater's thoughts on Australia's latest batting prodigy.
Clarke lists 'the younger Michael Slater' as one of his idols. Do you see any similarities between your batsmanship and his?
I have watched Clarke very closely. We played together at New South Wales for two years and I believe he has an unmatched passion for the game. He loves being on the cricket field; he loves batting. But, first and foremost, he is an entertainer. He looks to entertain the crowds, but not at the expense of the team.
Yes, there are few similarities. For example, the buzz he brings to the wicket. When he is at the wicket you know something will happen. We know he is a very special player. He has very quick feet as well.
When I was a player, Vivian Richards was my idol, simply because he was the most destructive batsman I had ever seen. When Clarke was growing up, I guess, I was doing quite well and was a decent sight to behold on the cricket field. Since we hail from the same state it was natural for him to look upon me as an idol.
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What do you make of Clarke as a batting talent?
He is an incredible talent and a big personality, but he has a very level head on his shoulders. I mean, even though he is just starting out, he definitely is Test captaincy material. He has that 'X' factor, an edge to his game that the others seem to lack.
His first-class average in domestic cricket is just 37 and that is not seen as being very great. But, obviously, the selectors saw a spark in him and showed faith in him. Now he is repaying that faith.
In the two years that you played with Clarke on the New South Wales' team, did you ever notice his special talent?
I went through a tough period myself as a cricketer [during 2002]; that's when I was batting at number six in the batting order. There was this match [against South Australia in October 2002] when we were reduced to the loss of four wickets with very little on board. From there we salvaged the innings with a partnership of 214 runs [Clarke scored 129 and Slater contributed 111 runs to the partnership].
Some of the shots that he hit during the innings were special. I had not seen anyone play like that in a long time, indeed. Watching him bat, I felt 'this boy is destined to play Test cricket'.
Who is the bigger loss, Ricky Ponting or Sachin Tendulkar?
Ponting, of course, is a very big loss. He has been fairly successful as captain and Clarke, as such, cannot take his place in the side. But there are a lot of senior heads and good thinkers in the team, like Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne and Darren Lehmann. The Aussies are not better for the loss, but they can make do.
For the Indians, the loss of Tendulkar is a bigger blow. His level of performance is so high that he can lift the entire team. He has that ability; the ability that champion's have -- to inspire the team to greater heights. There is a question mark over him for the entire series, and without him to bring out the 'hero' in others, India are faced with a tough task.
Do you think Clarke will keep his place in the squad once Ponting is back?
I would have liked to see Clarke continue in the team once Ponting is back to full fitness. Because such is his talent that he can make a big difference. But I don't think it will happen. I think the Australian selectors will go with experience. It might happen, but it might not happen. It is very difficult to get into the Australian side and if anyone has to be dropped it has to [Darren] Lehmann or [Damien] Martyn.
Clarke, to my mind, is the greatest batting talent to have come out of Australia since Ponting.
Clarke's footwork against spin is exceptional. Your thoughts
His play against spin has been superb, indeed. He has not been afraid to use his feet and, I guess, that comes from being young as well. Youth gives a very big advantage -- you have no fear. But, generally, Australian batsmen are taught to use their feet the moment the ball goes above their eye-level. Being aggressive is the key.
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