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Michael Clarke in Twitter tirade with Australian journalist: Always played by rules - Sports News

Michael Clarke defended his record as captain in a lengthy tirade on Twitter (Reuters Photo) HIGHLIGHTS Michael Clarke denies Australia culture soured under his watch An Australian journalist linked the ball-tampering row with cultural failings during Clarke's captaincy Clarke branded the journalist a "headline chasing coward" in a rant on social media Former captain Michael Clarke has denied Australia culture soured under his watch after a prominent Australian sports journalist linked the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal with cultural failings during his captaincy.

Journalist Gerard Whateley said on his programme on local radio station SEN that Australia had become the "most despised team in world cricket... a scourge that is part of Clarke's legacy."

Clarke, who led the side from 2011-15, defended his record as captain in a lengthy tirade on Twitter.

"I played to win, but played by the rules of the game and to a similar level of aggression to the other international teams I played against," he wrote.

Clarke has also branded the journalist a "headline chasing coward" in a rant on social media.

Fact 1 :

"Under my leadership of the Test team, Australia was ranked No. 5 in the world and 18 months later we were No. 1, yet you made no criticism of me or our style of play then" Fact 2 :

"In the process of getting to number 1, I played to win, but played by the rules of the game and to a similar level of aggression to the other international teams I played against" Fact 3 :

"My conduct as an honest and 'by the rules' captain has never been questioned, sanctioned or fined other than when I stuck up for George Bailey when he was bullied by an opponent." Fact 4 :

"My recent interview on Macquarie radio gave my opinion on what the team needs to do and I stand by that. For the avoidance of doubt, I believe the Australian team should play to win and to prioritise being respected rather than liked - it would be great to be both, but if they can only be one, be respected" Fact 5:

"I today have received numerous messages of support for my opinion from respected journalists and seniors within the Australian cricket team" Fact 6 :

"For Gerard Wheatley to insinuate that I am responsible for the ball-tampering issue makes him nothing more than a headline-chasing coward. 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." Clarke was fined for telling England paceman James Anderson to "get ready for a broken... arm" during a Test in the 2014-15 Ashes series, but has always maintained it was in response to Anderson making a threat at Australia batsman Bailey.

@GerardWhateley @1116sen pic.twitter.com/zFMphvGcoj

Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) November 28, 2018

Clarke renewed his attack on Whateley on radio on Thursday, saying he was "out of line".

"Trying to blame me for cheating in South Africa is a disgrace," he added.

The ball-tampering scandal in March led to long suspensions for former captain Steve Smith, vice captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft, and triggered reviews into the culture of the men's team and governing body Cricket Australia.

Under Tim Paine, Smith's replacement as captain of the Test side, Australia has committed to being less aggressive on the field of play, a stance which has drawn derision from Clarke and a number of former players.

With the four-Test home series against India looming, Clarke told local radio earlier this week that Australia would not win any matches if they did not play "tough cricket".

Paine, however, said his team would still play "that confident, aggressive style of cricket that Australia wants to play".

"No one has spoken about being liked, certainly by the opposition," Paine told ESPNcricinfo.

"We've spoken about wanting to get the Australian public's trust and make sure that clearly you want the Australian public and cricket fans to like or love the Australian Test team."

( With inputs from Reuters )

Also Read | Michael Clarke wants Tim Paine's team to 'play tough Australian cricket' vs India Also Read | Ricky Ponting wants Aaron Finch to open for Australia in Test series vs India Also Read | Less verbals but more bouncers from Australia: Ian Chappell warns Virat Kohli's India

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