Should Michael Clarke Have Been Rested for Final Eng Aus ODI?

The Australian team's decision to rest Shane Watson and Michael Clarke for the seventh England Australia ODI has left a few questions that need to be answered, particularly with reference to the latter.

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Looking ahead to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, the decision to rest the stand in Australian captain and the potential outside contender to the role has been met with mixed reaction.

Shane Watson has been Australia's outstanding performer by a distance over the Australian summer. He then deservedly needs a break, although it is only for the one match as Australia will complete this series and head for the Indian sub continent.

However, Michael Clarke is a different proposition altogether. Standing in for the injured Ricky Ponting, Clarke has copped a lot of flak for his failing form, that has not sat well with the Australian crowds looking from one deposed captain to another.

Clarke has, to his credit, showed some of hid old self in the previous two matches, leading Australia to victory on both occasions. The decision then to rest him seems out of place particularly given that he is finally finding his feet.

It would hardly make sense to rest Clarke for one match when he could continue to draw on the confidence of the previous two innings and also, help restore pride in the people. After all, if he is the clear successor to Ponting, it would make sense that a more persistent Clarke will win hearts over.

However, Cricket Australia seems to think differently and decided to give Clarke a break for one match, handing the reins over to Cameron White albeit for one match.