I'm going to start this off by saying how damn happy I am that this is Australia's problem, not one for the usually troublesome Black Caps. What's the problem? This lad named Michael Clarke, fantastic cricketer and a great leader of one of the greatest cricketing nations to exist. The simple fact that this is a problem is evidence of Clarke's ability as a cricketer, he's been fantastic which now puts him in a position that he's a lock in selection when he's fit.

When he's fit, that's the problem. It's a situation that sucks no matter who's injured but when you are your team's best player, a certain selection and someone who is looked to for inspiration, you need to be out there on the field. There was a period of recent resurgence for the Australians, before that last Ashes series where Clarke was Australia. With bat in hand, he would lead his crew of merry men and every so often we're graced to witness genuine match winners/match savers in action. The majority of the best teams have had groups of great batsmen, Australia's runs were scored by Michael Clarke. Then came the Ashes and his captaincy legacy was sealed, he switched up the flow and just blatantly attacked the English, it worked. As long as it works.

Clarke has battled form recently which has obviously been highlighted by injury. He's had a long term issue with his back which has led to his hamstrings being  a bit iffy - he just came back from a hammy problem and then re-injured it against South Africa.This follows a year where he has appeared wearing the baggy green in fits and spurts. He's earned the right to be in the position where he is now - the only thing people care about is him, his health, when he's back etc. But while this is an obvious issue for Clarke as he's only getting older and his body doesn't have his back (oooooh) it's also an issue for Australia. Michael Clarke is Australian cricket.

The ODI side will be ok. In a sensational example of smart rotation and nifty selections, George Bailey is always there ready to slip in to the captain's role. He was kind of exclusively selected as the limited overs captain for a while and is a good skip at that, not too mention being alright with the bat. In fact, the ODI side is such that they're good with or without Clarke. They've got a starting line up that varies thanks to depth, but my side based on recent times excluding Clarke and Haddin - Finch, Warner, Watson, Smith, Bailey, Wade, Maxwell, Marsh, Hazlewood, Johnson, Coulter-Nile/Starc/anyone. That's a side that can win the World Cup, not to mention all the guys next in line

The test side however is where the troubles lay. Sure Mitchell Johnson can strike fear through a team, but you don't approach this Australian test side shitting your pants. They can crumble like any other test side, they have bowlers you can get on top of and if you've got the kahunas you can chirp your way in to their heads. By constantly focussing on Michael Clarke, people - mainly the selectors and general cricketing folk in Australia may miss what's right in front of them. All the talk is 'will he be ready for the Gabba?' ... will he be ready for this, will he be ready for that, which only takes away from the lads involved

It's not Clarke's fault, it's not the selectors fault, it's not the media's fault because it's no one's fault really. Michael Clarke simply played himself in to the position where his team relied heavily on his contributions both with the bat and as a decision maker. You could say that he's been so good that now people are still clutching at that hope. The best way to deal with this? I'm going to resort to my personal classic way of thinking - just think as though Clarke doesn't exist. When Clarke's fit, sure he slides back in but what's if he doesn't get any better and he's always in and out? If everyone involved has the mindset that Clarke's just always out, then they will be at ease and I'd say they will perform better. 

Unfortunately for Clarke, his form recently doesn't warrant his consistent selection. But he's earned that right and like our own Brendon McCullum, he's our leader. I'm glad someone has to figure out how to best use Clarke because I can't be bothered doing any more thinking about Australian cricketers.