Ashes 2015: Shane Warne defends Michael Clarke, calls John Buchanan's comments 'disgraceful'

Cricket great Shane Warne defended Michael Clarke from accusations of not buying into the “Baggy Green” culture following Australia’s historical defeat in the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. Former Australia coach John Buchanan criticised Clarke in the wake of the latter’s retirement from cricket after the international series, but Warne came to his mate’s defence and blasted Buchanan for his “disgraceful” comments.

Warne, who was well known for disliking to play under Buchanan during his prime years in cricket, made a remarkable tirade directed at Buchanan, who hit at Clarke’s captaincy earlier this week, reports News. The 45-year-old Warne said Buchanan is not qualified to speak on the issue due to the former coach’s lack of idea about cricket.

"He never played the game, doesn't know what the players go through. And suddenly he's saying he wrecked the culture of the Baggy Green,” Warne said.

Warne backed his former teammate Clarke, citing Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, and David Warner as class players who came under Clarke’s leadership. Warne also urged pundits and supporters to stop blaming Clark on Australia’s struggles in the past Test matches, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Buchanan has scrutinised Clarke for Australia’s underwhelming performance in this year’s Ashes. He claimed to News Corp that Clarke’s captaincy threatens the national team’s culture. Buchanan added that the Australian cricketer’s does not value the “baggy green” culture the way Adam Gilchrist or himself values it.

Meanwhile, Warne praised Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann for doing a “wonderful” job despite the team’s recent debacle against England. Warne said Australia should learn from the mistakes in the Ashes series and start doing a few things right.

“I have no problem with Boof at all. We’ve just got to make sure we start doing a few things right and make sure we learn from our mistakes that we made in England,” Warne said.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.