Michael Clarke retires: How Australian media reacted

Michael Clarke in a somber mood after announcing his retirement. (Source: Reuters)

As Michael Clarke, Australia captain, called it a day after his team’s demoralising defeat to arch-rivals England in the ongoing Ashes, the news of his retirement made headlines on all sports pages across the national media back home in Australia.

The news was covered to such an extent that the news of his retirement dominated the headlines than the national team’s dismal performance.

‘The Canberra Times’ ran it as their lead story in sports section where they reported that Clarke might well play for one last time for the Canberra based Prime Minister’s XI.

“Michael Clarke’s retirement opens door to captain PM’s XI in Canberra against New Zealand,” read the headline where the reporter even went on to speculate that Clarke may well be the part of the side in game featuring Trans- Tasman rivals New Zealand scheduled to be held on October 23.

Sydney-based daily, ‘Sydney Morning Herald’, too played the news of skipper’s retirement as the lead story. The newspaper has termed his decision as ‘The first casualty of Australia’s disastrous Ashes campaign in England.’

While ‘The Daily Telegraph’ has instead focused on his possible successor, Steven Smith, as they reported how the Cricket Australia feels ‘Steven is ready for the challenge.’

While the ‘The Australian’ reflected on Clarke’s retirement and described it as ‘the final fading’ which came quickly.