Michael Clarke holds the Aussies favorite considering their IPL experience

Former Aussie skipper Michael Clarke marked the Australians as the favorites to clinch the ODI series against India. According to the retired cricketer, the experience that the Aussies gained by participating in the lucrative Indian Premier League will act as a huge bonus in the tournament. For a fact, 10 out of the 14 members of the Aussie squad for the ODI series against India has been a part of the IPL.

21 cricketers from Australia have participated in the India Premier League to date and 10 of them are an integral part of the squad that is set to lock horns against the hosts on 17th September in Chennai. They are Steve Smith (Rising Pune Supergiant), David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Patrick Cummins (Delhi Daredevils), Aaron Finch, James Faulkner (Gujarat Lions), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis (Kings XI Punjab), Nathan Coulter-Nile (Kolkata Knight Riders), Adam Zampa (Rising Pune Supergiant) and Travis Head (Royal Challengers Bangalore).

Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Kane Richardson and Matthew Wade are the four Australians who are yet to feature in the Indian Premier League.

What Clarke said:

“It’s not just the wicket you are batting on or the ground you are playing, it’s the heat, the food you eat, the hotel you are staying at,” Clarke told reporters. “(With) these players now being involved in the IPL, India is like a second home because you spend so much time here. added Clarke.

Clarke continued “Yes, it’s a shame we don’t have Mitchell Starc or Josh Hazlewood available, unfortunately due to injury. Those two will be missed.

“But this Australian team has no excuses. They know the conditions really well … and this is a massive series for us.” stated the Aussie.

Michael Clarke predicted a 3-2 win for the Aussies in the series but admitted that it will e a robust challenge for them. There is no doubt over the fact that it is set to be a cracker of a contest.