'Contender' White backs Clarke to lead Oz T20 side

Sydney, May 18 (ANI): Australia's Twenty20 vice captain Cameron White has backed incumbent Michael Clarke to lead the side for his leadership skills, despite selectors toying with the idea of allowing Clarke to focus on 50-over cricket and Tests.

Clarke expects his spot in the Australian Twenty20 team to be reviewed after batting performances at the World Twenty20 that "haven't been up to scratch".

Clarke guided Australia to six consecutive victories before the final where Kevin Pietersen hit 47 off 31 balls to inspire England to a seven-wicket win.

White said Clarke deserved credit for his leadership skills. "What Michael's done for the team, his leadership and captaincy, has been a great effort," he said.

"We've come a long way. There was a stage when we weren't considered a very good Twenty20 team. But I think we've showed in this tournament that we are," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted White, as saying.

Clarke also said that Australia has taken a big step forward, reaching the World T20 final for the first time at its third attempt. (ANI)