Redemption

November 2013

It was a hot, suffocating day at the Gabba, Brisbane. The moment he was waiting for, had arrived. First Ashes Test had gone underway and it was Australia’s turn to bowl after England had bowled them out for 330. John Taylor, the Aussie skipper was under pressure to win the Ashes at home as Australia had lost the previous time against England at home by a humiliating margin of 3-1. Taylor tossed the brand new Kookabura at him and spoke a few words of encouragement and massaged his shoulders. This was his moment. Now or Never. If he did not perform well this time, he knew he would be axed permanently from the squad. As it was, decision to bring him back in the squad was already criticized by many. But he knew he wasn’t the same Max Clarke who had bowled at the same opposition 3 years ago. He had changed a lot. Nevertheless, he was tensed as he held the ball in his hand. The umpire signaled and Clarke took his mark. He ran in and let the first ball go.

January 2011.

“This is no doubt the worst period for Australian Cricket in the recent times, after being completely outplayed by a dominant English side 3-1 at home in the Ashes series 2010-11. The locals were heard protesting in the streets that they want John Taylor to be stripped from Captaincy and axed from the squad. Many of the locals were also heard protesting against Max Clarke, the resident from New South Wales, who was horribly out of form throughout the series.” Clarke, who was watching the news channel shut off the television in disgust. This was not how it was supposed to go. Ashes performances define Australian and English cricketers. His childhood dream of representing his country in The Ashes had come true but he had failed miserably in the series. He was under depression in the lead up to the series as the English media had spread a few fake rumors about his mother. Max was a fierce competitor on the field but any fake rumors about his family, he could not stand those. This matter took a great toll on his bowling in the series as the English batsmen dispatched him to all parts of the ground in every test match. In 5 test matches, he could only manage 8 wickets, no doubt the worst series of his career as he had also leaked a plethora of runs. His loss of form was termed as the primary reason for Australia’s series loss. All of a sudden, his life had changed. Chief Selector of Australian team had made it clear that the Selection Panel was going to give Clarke a break and try out other fast bowlers for Australia’s 4 Test Match tour to South Africa in March later this year. Clarke realized he could do with a bit of a break from cricket and clear his mind.

After a nice 3 week break, he again decided to get back to cricket. He took the advice of former Australian fast bowler and his idol, Ryan Smith. Ryan agreed to help him with the training. Clarke began his rigorous training under the eyes of Ryan Smith. He was determined to make a comeback, particularly strongly against England. Fire of revenge burned in his eyes. He knew his career was not over and that he would still be given one chance by the Selectors.

                    

He bowled for hours in the nets and took great tips from Smith. He also received great support from his friends and family during this tough time. He knew he was only going to get one more shot to cement his place in the team. There was a feeling in the corner of his heart that there was going to be one series winning performance from him and he couldn’t be more right about it. 

November 2013

All of this was running through Clarke’s mind as he took his mark. It was time for payback. He had worked out tremendously in the last 2 years and his body had become a lot fitter. But there was still failure of underperforming in another Home Ashes Series on his mind. He let the first ball go. It was fast and short and totally surprised the batsman. This gave Clarke great confidence. He bowled another one short and this time it kissed the glove of the batsman and went to the hands of the keeper. Clarke appealed and the umpire promptly raised the dreaded finger. Both Clarke and the crowd at the Gabba were ecstatic with joy. The start for him could not have been better. After two more wickets fell down, Clarke could see the scared look on the faces of the England players. He bowled his heart out and finished the test match with 7 wickets. He was back in form. Australia had won the first test match. The crowd was wild. The same crowd who wanted Clarke axed from the squad 3 years ago, now were hailing him their hero. Clarke could not hold in his emotions. He wiped a tear out of his eye as he proudly showed the ball around to the crowd. His hardwork had paid off nicely in the first test and there were still four more to go. All of his team mates congratulated him and lifted him up on their shoulders. 

 This terrifying domination by the left armer lasted all 5 tests. He terrorized the English batsmen badly and ended the series with 37 wickets from 5 test matches and half of the England squad which played in that Ashes series, never played another test match again. His aggressive fast bowling in the series was marveled by many of the junior cricketers. His critics, now became his worshippers. For his hostile fast bowling display, he was awarded the Man of the Series in Ashes 2013-14. “I always knew his career was not over after the 2010-11 Ashes Series. I had a lot of faith in him. He is an immensely talented fellow. He had a lot left to deliver for Australia. One poor series does not define a cricketer’s abilities. I knew he will make a strong comeback and he proved me right. He is the most resilient bloke whom I know in that Australian Squad. He will record many match winning performances for Australia in the future.” A teary eyed Ryan Smith addressed the media soon after the series. Clarke’s dream was finally accomplished. He had delivered a performance for generations to remember. His redemption was complete.