Hughes believes cracks will start becoming exposed if Clarke does not step down as a selector

Former Australia Test captain Kim Hughes has warned batsman Michael Clarke that if he does not resign as a Test selector, then confrontations with his team-mates are likely to occur in the future.

Hughes’ comments come after it was reported that Clarke and vice-captain Shane Watson had a rift after the all-rounder was ruled out of the second Test against South Africa at Adelaide for not having fully recovered from a calf injury.

Even though Clarke denied having a heated dispute with Watson, Hughes stated that it was only a matter of time before the cracks in the national team would start to become exposed.

“In an ideal world, it is best not to have the captain and coach as a selector,” Hughes said. “Going forward, I think it would help Michael Clarke immensely if he gave it away and focused on his job.

“When you are winning and the side is going well, there’s no dramas. But if you are under the pump as a side and you’re not playing well, it (having a captain as selector) brings on extra issues.”