Australian captain Michael has hit back strongly at his critics, saying that his record in limited overs cricket is as good as anybody who has played the game.
Michael Clarke has struggled to score runs in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, and a lot has been said and written about his form ahead of the semi final against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Michael Clarke, who has 7,897 runs from 243 ODIs, has managed to score only 135 runs from four innings in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Asked about whether his inclusion to the side disrupted the balance, Clarke wasn’t one bit amused while replying to the query and said his record stacks up against just about anyone.
“Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. I’ve played over 200 one-dayers now for Australia, and I think my record stacks up against just about anyone. So, yeah, for me it’s about making sure I perform with the bat and also as captain of the team,” Michael Clarke said on the eve of the semi-final against India.
Asked about how the Australian team is preparing for the big semi final, Clarke said there are no special preparations and it’s no different to any other game.
“I think every time I’ve walked out on to the field as an Australian cricketer I’ve wanted to perform individually and help the team have success and that will be no different in this game. But really, it’s no different. I can’t try any harder. I can’t train any harder. That won’t help me have success,” Clarke said.
Asked about the nature of the SCG wicket, Clarke said it will be normally even for both batting and bowling.
“I think the SCG in general is a really good wicket. I think it’s normally even for both batting and bowling. So I think the fast bowlers will hopefully get a little swing and a little bounce out of that wicket,” Clarke said.
Clarke also said that spin will a part in the semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
“Then as always I think spin will play a part at the SCG, but it’s generally as good a place to bat as anywhere in the world. India have a very good bowling lineup. They have a good mixture of spin and fast bowling,” Clarke added.
