Clarke stated that his relationship with Watson is still alive and well

Australia Test captain Michael Clarke has denied rumours and speculation that he was involved in a heated confrontation with all-rounder Shane Watson prior to the start of the second Test against South Africa at Adelaide.

Watson had been left out of the first Test at Brisbane after suffering a calf injury and was also dropped for the second Test since the national selectors believed that he was had not fully recovered yet.

Clarke noted that Watson was disappointed to be left out for the second Test, but dismissed speculations of having been involved in a rift with the talented all-rounder.

“I know there’s been talk of that being a little bit different,” Clarke said. “(But) not at all. We have a great relationship. Watto and I, our friendship and our professional relationship when it comes to captain and vice-captain, is as close as I can certainly ask for.”

Former Australia batsman Ricky Ponting, who announced his retirement at the end of the Test series against South Africa, stated that no player should be allowed to participate in a Test match unless they are a 100 per cent fit.

“No one can go into a Test match 70 percent fit,” Ponting said. “I don’t care if you’re a batsman and a slip fielder. If you can’t bat at 100 percent, then you are putting pressure on other blokes as well.”