If I were a cornflake eater, I may well have choked on them over my Sunday paper. Michael Clarke has decided/been convinced/talked into/cajoled – take a verb of your choice – into returning to the game. Prima facie, this sounds like an idea akin to Dame Nellie clearing her throat or maybe the Eagles touring again, but let's look behind the knee-jerk retiree action of him "missing the game".

Cricket does indeed "get into your blood". It is an addictive and compelling sport. It is a game dependent on individuals doing their best for themselves in order for the collective to thrive. Sometimes the individuals find their own importance of greater moment and, if they happen to be leaders as well, then the camp can get agitated. Agitated camps can still find ways to win but, if they suffer a few losses, then the caravan can crash and burn. Australia's Ashes loss last winter may be in that category.

Different times: Michael Clarke back in 2013. Credit:Getty Images

The problem with being at the apex of the tree is that it is a long way to fall when someone shakes it too hard. Australian cricket captains are of the highest office of this nation, alongside prime ministers. Has Clarke taken note of Tony Abbott's mumblings from afar? I hope not for the nation's sake.

Recent cricket retirees such as Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds joined the 20-over caravan while not playing competitive cricket at any level. They failed to make comebacks because the standard of play at the elite level is too much for part-time players. No quantity of practice nets and bowling machines can get them back to any consistency at the pointy end of the game.