“It’s certainly not personal between Smitty and I, we’ve been friends for a long time and will continue to be”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Michael Clarke has announced that he is willing to play under Steve Smith should the latter be handed the captaincy on a permanent basis.

Clarke’s comments come after Smith led Australia during the second, third and fourth Test against India.

“Most definitely I would,” Clarke told Triple M radio. “I feel for Smitty, because I sat in his shoes when a lot of the media were trying to call for Ricky Ponting to retire. It’s certainly not personal between Smitty and I, we’ve been friends for a long time and will continue to be. The people that sit above both him and I will make their decisions.

“Whatever they feel is the best 11 players, they’ll pick that 11. Whoever they feel is the best captain for the team, then they’ll pick that. If my time is over as a player – or as a captain – then, you know, the game moves on. I still think I have a lot to offer the team, I still feel like I can perform and help us have success, but that’s out of my hands. The most important thing for me is to get fit and healthy.”

Last week, Clarke revealed that he hopes to remain captain for the rest of his career.

“I think I’ve earned that respect, I think I’ve played some really good cricket and from the information I have the selectors are really happy with my performances – personally and also with my captaincy,” Clarke said. “I’ve heard no different at this stage.”