Stop worrying about being liked: Clarke
Former captain Michael Clarke has slammed attempts to improve Australian cricket's image in the wake of a cheating scandal, insisting the national team "won't win a game" without its infamous abrasive attitude.
A scathing independent review into the ball-tampering scandal released last month 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' hands before a series and respecting the umpires, in stark contrast to the Australians' previous conduct.
However, the nice-guy approach did 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.
"Play tough Australian cricket. Whether we like it or not, that's in our blood."
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