Michael Clarke will smash doubt over his leadership credentials from Test great Steve Waugh down to the man in the street as Australia's natural born leader, says national coach Tim Nielsen.
Australia will a see a very different Clarke from the "Pup" who has grown up before the nation's eyes from Monday when he replaces injured skipper Ricky Ponting in the final Test against England in Sydney.
The public hasn't warmed to Clarke - whether it is his dalliance with flashy model Lara Bingle, participation in underwear commercials or ill-timed tweets - but that is all about to change.
"Michael is a natural leader. He is a person who grabs people through his own performance, presents himself and drags people along with him. I am certain that is one of the major reasons he has been appointed captain of Australia while Ricky is not playing," Nielsen said.
"We understand the character and leadership ability he has. His opportunity now is not to prove people wrong but prove to people he can take on this role, do it in a positive light. I think over the next few weeks people will see a different Michael Clarke."
Waugh has noted a perceived indifference towards Clarke as successor to injured Ponting, also floating new vice-captain Brad Haddin and Tim Paine as the men to take Australia forward from Ponting.
"He has been groomed for it in the shorter form of the game and done it pretty well. For some reason there are question marks over Michael Clarke," said Waugh, with a phenomenal 41 wins as Test skipper from 1999-2003.
Nielsen backed Clarke to lead by example as Ponting has in steering Australia to a Test record 48 wins.
No untested leader enjoys public acceptance until they've proved themselves in battle, Nielsen argued.
