By Julian Guyer (AFP)
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Australia Twenty20 captain Michael Clarke admitted his place was under threat after a poor run of form continued in a seven-wicket World Twenty20 final loss to England.
Clarke, batting at No 3, was involved in the run out of hard-hitting opener David Warner as Australia collapsed to eight for three at the Kensington Oval here on Sunday,
He himself made just 27 --- but that was still his best score of the tournament -- in a total of 147 for six and Clarke ended the event with 92 runs at a meagre average of 15.33.
More powerful hitters in Australia's top order were largely able to cover for Clarke's lack of runs and with remarkable frankness, he told reporters: "There's no doubt the selectors will need to have a look at my performances.
"I certainly know they haven't been up to scratch through this whole
tournament and probably in Twenty20 cricket in general.
"I'm sure the selectors will sit down and have a look and if I'm not the right guy for No 3 and the captaincy then they'll make that decision," added the 29-year-old.
Clarke, the Test and one-day vice-captain, was the natural choice to inherit the leadership when regular skipper Ricky Ponting retired from Twenty20 international cricket.
Up until the final, Australia had been unbeaten at this World Twenty20, having been knocked out in the first round in England last year.
But in left-arm quick Dirk Nannes, fast bowler Shaun Tait and the Hussey brothers, Michael and David, they appear to have the nucleus of a fine Twenty20 line-up.
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