Dog Handlers,
After a stellar year in the Test match arena, and having retired from the national team in the T20 caper [while still available for good money to play for whoever will pay him], you'd have to wonder why MJ Clarke still bothers with one-day cricket.
Why carry on with a format that's about to die and take the Goanna's legacy with it?
The powers that be suggested that he was "rested" from the first two games to give him a break, what with the hammy and the Shagger's Back 'n' all.
But maybe playing the odd shortened game is the only way to keep the eye in with the Sheffield Shield seemingly in interminable abeyance at the minute, but surely the bloke with the second most important job in Straya should be eschewing the pygama game entirely, and be spending his time plotting how to play India at home?
Joisus...it's a four test series in places like Madras, Hyderabad, Mohali, and Delhi with the first game just five weeks away.
It's a full time job.
Just ask Steve Waugh, he'll tell you.
Pup must be thinking hard about what sort of team he wants to take to the low-slow dustbowl turners of the sub-continent against another team full of rascal bowlers and half-way decent batsmen [even though Engerland got them 2-1], and once he's made up his mind, there would be no shortage of gin-soaked plans passed down through the years on how to play in India to pour over - then make up yr own.
Never mind The Ashes.
Cross that bridge when we come to it.
PS. There is no man in an Indian touring party more important than the "Entertainment Ofiicer", who is usually the perennial 12th man.
Arrangements require arranging.
You need someone to look after the dinner suits, as well as make sure the afternoon tea cucumber sandwiches are in order, and the Pimm's well iced, not to mention only the very best Cognac and cigars will do at the very arse end of the day.
