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Michael Clarke blasts 'headline-chasing coward' journalist

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has accused Gerard Whateley of being a “headline-chasing coward” in a massive spray at the popular journalist.

Clarke was responding to criticism from Whateley on Wednesday, after the radio host questioned the Test great’s leadership during his time as Australian skipper.

The 37-year-old sparked heated debate after comments this week about how the current Aussie side needs to toughen up.

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“Australian cricket, I think, needs to stop worry about being liked and start worrying about being respected,” Clarke said on Macquarie Sports Radio.

Clarke has taken exception to Whateley’s comments. Pic: Getty
Clarke has taken exception to Whateley’s comments. Pic: Getty

“If you try and walk away from it, we might be the most liked team in the world, we’re not going to win shit. We won’t win a game.”

Those comments drew stinging criticism from old adversary Simon Katich, who appeared on Whateley’s radio program to stick the boot into Clarke.

“Once again we find someone missing the point,” Katich said of Clarke.

“The point is, we were caught for blatantly cheating and we have to rectify that as soon as possible to earn back the respect of the cricketing public in Australia and worldwide.”

Simon Katich has renewed his feud with Michael Clarke. Pic: Getty
Simon Katich has renewed his feud with Michael Clarke. Pic: Getty

Katich and Clarke have a chequered history as former Aussie Test teammates but it was Whateley who the former skipper directed his anger towards, after the journalist’s stinging criticism in an editorial on SEN.

“Clarke’s interpretation of the predicament the Australian men’s Test team finds itself in is breathtaking,” Whateley wrote.

“When the cultural review identified the phenomenon of the gilded bubble where elite cricketers existed in a parallel universe blessed with wealth and privilege oblivious to outside perception and influence, it should’ve posted a photo of the former captain.

“Australia didn’t know what or where the line was — that’s how it ended up with sandpaper on the field.”

Clarke launched his own attack in response to Whateley’s comments – blasting the journalist in a lengthy tirade on social media.

“For him to insinuate that I am responsible for the ball tampering issue makes him nothing more than a headline chasing coward,” Clarke wrote.

“Perhaps if he was talented enough or courageous enough to make it onto a cricket pitch he would have a better perspective than from behind a microphone.

“Finally Mr Wheatley (sic), if you think that the current No. 1 team in the world of cricket right now puts being liked as of higher importance than being respected and playing to win inside the rules of the game than you’re as delirious as you are ill informed.”

With agencies