Australia's pace express Mitchell Johnson has said that captain Michael Clarke's aggressive leadership has been a huge boost to the squad as the skipper has stood tall during the emotional roller-coaster of the past week in light of Phillip Hughes' passing.
The Australian squad attended former teammate Hughes' funeral in Macksville, NSW, last Wednesday, after the batsman passed away aged 25 following a freak accident while batting in a Sheffield Shield game in the previous week.
Clarke's men now face the daunting assignment of getting in the right headspace for the first Test against India at Adelaide Oval, News.com.au reported.
Johnson said that Clarke, who has been named in the Australian XI despite last month's hamstring strain, has stood very tall for his men in their time of grief. He added that it's a huge boost to have the skipper back in and playing for them.
Johnson said that Clarke, whose third hamstring injury in three months came in the opening one-dayer against South Africa in Perth on November 14, with his captaincy, has shown how strong he has been over the last couple of weeks with the tragedy that they have had. He claimed that they need the skipper out there in this tough series.
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Clarke's heartfelt speeches two days after Hughes' tragic death and again at last week's funeral have touched the hearts of the nation.
Johnson claimed that Clarke has just grown as a captain and as a person, adding that they have seen a new side to everyone to be honest.
He added that it has been an emotional roller-coaster and how strong the skipper has been as a person to stand up and do what Clarke has done. He said that he has definitely seen a different side to Clarke.
Johnson claimed that Clarke just has something about him when he's out there as captain, and everyone listens.
Johnson also said that while Clarke has always been a hard trainer, his enthusiasm to play well this week and honour the memory of Hughes has only added to his energetic approach.
