What Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc think of Michael Clarke’s scathing attack on key Australian member
Australian stars Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc have publicly backed chairman of selectors George Bailey, offering a firm rebuke to former captain Michael Clarke's scathing critique of Cricket Australia's leadership structure following the team's Ashes triumph.
Clarke unleashed a pointed attack on the current hierarchy, questioning the authority and credentials of key figures. He specifically targeted Bailey's influence, asking whether the chief selector possessed the "gravitas or the leadership skills" to direct head coach Andrew McDonald and captains like Smith or Pat Cummins. "He should do, 100 per cent, but I don’t think he does," Clarke stated via The Daily Mail.
The criticism drew swift and unified support for Bailey from within the victorious Ashes squad. Smith pointed directly to the team's results under Bailey's tenure. "He’s done a wonderful job for a long time. Since he’s been in charge, we’ve made a couple of Test Championship finals. We’ve played really good cricket," Smith said. "We’ve won this series 4-1. So what more is there to say?"
Starc emphasized Bailey's direct and honest communication style as a cornerstone of the selection panel's effectiveness. "The greatest thing with George is it’s never a sugar-coating conversation," Starc explained. "He’ll tell you straight up whether it’s conditions-based, role-based or the like... I think every move that George and the selection panel have made this series, it’s a 4-1 result."
The strong endorsement from two senior players reinforces a clear message of internal unity and confidence in the existing leadership, despite external skepticism. With the Ashes secured in a commanding 4-1 victory, the Australian camp has leveraged its on-field success as the ultimate vindication of its off-field structure, effectively insulating itself from Clarke's provocations.
