Gilchrist says Oz public `looking beyond flashy cars` to accept Clarke as `fighter`

Sydney – Adam Gilchrist has said that he believes the Australian public are finally looking beyond the flashy cars and clothes and accepting Michael Clarke as a ‘fighter’ as the captain prepares for the 100th Test against England at the WACA, according to reports.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, back-to-back hundreds in the first two matches of the Ashes series have continued Clarke’s extraordinary period with the bat since assuming the leadership in 2011.

On top of the prolific run-scoring, Gilchrist believes the aggressive attitude Clarke is exhibiting, even leading him to be fined for his ‘broken arm’ sledge at England’s James Anderson in Brisbane, is endearing him to the public, the report said.

Gilchrist was in Ricky Ponting’s team that was stunned by England in 2005, ending 16 years of Australian dominance, but has been taken aback at how Clarke’s side have turned the tables so far this summer, the report added.

He also credited the appointment of Darren Lehmann as head coach as being as key to their vastly improved performances as the frightening form of Mitchell Johnson, who has pocketed 17 wickets in two matches leading into Perth, the report further said.

The third Test starts on Friday, and will coincidentally also be the 100th appearance for England captain Alastair Cook, the report mentioned.