Sydney — Former captain Michael Clarke has slammed attempts to improve Australian cricket’s image in the wake of a cheating scandal, insisting the team “won’t win a game” without its infamous abrasive attitude. A scathing independent review into the ball-tampering scandal released in October revealed a bullying culture within the sport and criticised cricketers for “playing the mongrel” against opponents. In response, the team produced a so-called players’ pact, urging Australians to “compete with us, smile with us, fight with us, dream with us”. Test captain Tim Paine has also spoken of shaking opponents’ hand before a series and respecting umpires, in stark contrast to the Australians’ previous conduct. The nice-guy approach does not sit well with Clarke, who said winning should be Australia’s top priority, regardless of what anyone thought. Australian cricket, I think, needs to stop worrying about being liked and start worrying about being respected,” he told commercial radio. “P...
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