Paul Newman: Cracks in the Aussie team threaten to swallow Clarke

Australian captain Michael Clarke looks a very old 34. Photo / AP

Opinion

The combined effects of another crushing defeat and the damage that the exclusion of Brad Haddin at Edgbaston has done to team spirit threaten to open cracks in the Australian cricket camp so wide that Michael Clarke could soon tumble down them.

Clarke is not only fighting at Trent Bridge this week to stop Australia losing the Ashes but is also battling to save a captaincy career that surely could not survive a fourth successive defeat in England in the biggest series of them all.

Clarke's lack of form has reached crisis point.

When Alastair Cook was going through the toughest of times last year his position was solidified by the support of all his teammates, coaching staff and the selectors and he has come through to blossom as a batsman and captain.

It is far from clear whether Clarke has the same levels of support, particularly among a selection panel he is known to be at odds with but also from senior figures who would prefer Steve Smith as captain.

Clarke distances himself from selection issues and it was clearly the decision of chief selector Rod Marsh and coach Darren Lehmann to leave out Haddin even though the family issues that caused him to miss Lord's had eased.

That brought widespread criticism from greats such as Ricky Ponting, who were quick to remind Australia that they make a point of putting family ahead of cricket and should have backed such a loyal servant.

Those who queued up to slam the selectors included Shane Warne, who is so close to Clarke that he gives the impression he is captaining Australia from the Sky Sports commentary box.

The problem for Lehmann is that Clarke's form is almost as bad as the axed Haddin's, with him averaging 24 this year, and his problems are compounded by his chronic back condition and hamstring problems that make him a very old 34.

There is a suggestion Clarke should move back to five, where he averages twice as much as he does at four, but that would be a backward step for the captain at Trent Bridge, where he needs to lead by example.

England's inconsistency warns against writing Australia off, but there is no doubt that Clarke is rapidly approaching his last stand.

Mail on Sunday