Clarke's still captain - selectors rate leadership above Twenty20 strike rate

Michael Clarke is set to retain the Australian Twenty20 captaincy when selectors announce the travelling party for England today.
Under pressure due to his slow scoring rate in the short format, Clarke conceded his position would come under scrutiny but the Herald understands selectors did not consider axing him. They are understood to like Clarke's leadership skills and have forgiven his failings with the bat.
Clarke led Australia to the World Twenty20 final but his batting performance was sub-par by his own admission. He finished with 92 runs at 15.33 while vice-captain Cameron White scored 180 runs at 45, a strike rate of 146.34 against Clarke's 80.7.
Clarke said after the loss to England in the final that he expected his position would be reviewed but made it clear he wanted to remain skipper.
The selectors - Andrew Hilditch, Jamie Cox, Merv Hughes and David Boon - are understood to have backed Clarke and believe he has the talent to improve his strike rate.
They were impressed by his record as captain - he has lost only twice in the 15 games he has captained Australia.
Clarke also has the support of his teammates, who have praised his tactics and motivational skills.
But should he fail in the two Twenty20s against Pakistan, White will be favoured.
The selectors will name squads for Australia's Twenty20s and one-dayers against England, but the side to play two Tests against Pakistan won't be chosen until after Australia A's series against Sri Lanka A in Queensland.
It seems Pakistan's Twenty20 skipper, Shahid Afridi, will play in that series. He has declared himself available after a self-imposed exile. ''I am ready to play Test cricket because I feel that my country needs me,'' Afridi told AFP.
Meanwhile, fringe state cricketers and club players will be given a chance to shine in Twenty20 when the two new franchises are introduced to the Big Bash.
Western Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast appear to be contesting the spots. Fringe NSW and Victorian players would be made available to the rival city sides.
A host of club cricketers would also be given the chance to earn lucrative IPL contracts on the back of impressive Big Bash performances.
The new franchise entries are expected to be discussed at a Cricket Australia board meeting next month.