Blewett - Clarke is the next Ricky Ponting

Greg Blewett is back in Australian colours, this time for the Double Wicket World Championship on the paradise island of St. Lucia. Speaking to Wisden CricInfo after the first day's play, Blewett spoke about the tournament, his hopes for his forthcoming spell with Kent, and the potential of Aussie new kid on the block Michael Clarke. Along with many of the assembled stars, Blewett was still taking stock of the competition's format.

"It's interesting to see the tactics needed for the Double Wicket," he said. "I think they will become clearer as the tournament progresses. You can either go for the aggressive Pakistani approach, or the more careful approach like West Indies. But there's a definite advantage to bowling first so you can then play accordingly."

Like most of the spectators at Beausejour yesterday, Blewett was impressed with the immediate impact of Shahid Afridi.

"The crowd want to see more of the Pakistan-style approach. But given that they lose 10 runs if they lose a wicket, if they lose a couple of wickets early on against some of the better bowlers, it will be interesting to see what they do."

The Double Wicket players were not the only ones on planes to the Caribbean last week. Steve Waugh's Australians flew in to Guyana to begin their defence of the Frank Worrell Trophy.

"Even with a couple of players out, the depth is pretty good. Michael Clarke (who replaces Damien Martyn) is a quality player," Blewett enthused. "Everyone agrees he is the next Ricky Ponting."

Blewett also rates West Indies an improving side, especially on their home pitches.

"I can't see too many sides beating Australia." It doesn't come across as arrogance or a brash statement - simply factual.

While the all-conquering Australians are headed for Guyana and the Test and one-day international tour of the West Indies, Blewett will be flying to England after the tournament for seven weeks with Kent - his third county following spells with Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

Blewett is a like-for-like replacement for Andrew Symonds in the batting order, expected to bat at number four. But the path to a county contract for the forthcoming summer was unexpectedly difficult.

"I thought that with counties being able to bring two players in, it would be easier. As it's turned out, it's been more difficult," Blewett said. "Either they're struggling financially, or they are being careful trying to balance their sides so need a certain type of player."

But Blewett is looking further than his seven-week stay.

"Kent haven't signed a second overseas player, so it's a motivation that, if I do well, they might ask me to stay. Robert Key will probably be away with England for quite a bit of the summer. If I stayed on, I could move up the order and open the batting while he is away."

Whatever happens, it is a motivating factor for his initial spell with Kent, and the carrot of a longer contract could be just what is needed. Spectators in England this summer could see the best of a player who would walk into most Test or one-day sides.