Michael Clarke optimistic of Australia's chances in the upcoming Test series against India

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Michael Clarke
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Michael Clarke. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Former Aussie captain Michael Clarke who had a horrendous time captaining his nation in India way back in 2013 when they lost by a 4-0 margin has predicted a tough contest in the upcoming series starting from 23rd February. Clarke said that despite the focus being on slower bowlers, Australia’s biggest chance of defeating India in their own backyard lied with their star-studded fast bowlers with Mitchell Starc being the spearhead for them. Clarke cautioned Steve Smith that India would want to stamp their authority and inflict the same pain which the Indian side often faces while touring Down Under.

Clarke’s career has been dominated by exceptional performances against India. The former captain made his Test debut against India at Bangalore in 2004 and scored a century in his debut match. His highest Test score of 329* also came against India during India’s tour of Australia in 2012. Clarke also added that with a side flooded with youngsters, the onus will be on the more experienced guys like Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to take as many wickets as possible.

“Australia is predicting that spin is going to play a huge role. But I still think the quicks have a big role to play as well,” Clarke said during a Facebook live chat. “Starc and Hazlewood will need to take a lot of wickets to help Australia win this series. Natural swing with the brand new ball, and especially reserve swing, is going to be really important to the Australian team. Australia is going to need everybody to really perform if they want to beat India in their own backyard,” he further added.

Though Clarke was optimistic of Australia’s series win, he said that India will also look to carry on their good work. “India, on the other hand, will want to dominate, they will want to continue to show how good they are in their own backyard. Australia has beaten India at home, now India will want to make sure their dominance in their own backyard stays there,” Clarke was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Also read: Steve Waugh calls Ganguly ‘optimistic’ over his 4-0 remarks

Clarke clarified that though the Australian team is a promising one but they need to give their new players sufficient time to adjust to different grounds and conditions across the world. “It’s hard to expect players to walk straight onto the big stage and perform, especially in conditions that are different to what you’re accustomed to,” Clarke said.

“I think this Australia team is talented (but) we need to give these players some time to play around the world in different countries, learn, adapt, improve, get better, to see how talented they are. As selectors, all they can really do is pick who they feel are the best players and then give them the opportunity, and I think that’s what they’ve done.

“The selectors have gone with a core group of players they feel are the best in the Australian system, and now they’ve got to have the courage to stick with them and give them a chance. This series is going to be a really good eye opener for the players that have never played Test cricket in India, but also for their understanding of how you do face different conditions all around the world,” the former captain concluded.

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