145;I146;ll have to put the pressure back on them146;

It8217;s quite interesting to be Michael Clarke. This boy is the subject of a debate between Shane Warne...

It8217;s quite interesting to be Michael Clarke. This boy is the subject of a debate between Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting, there is talk that he is being groomed for future captaincy, while selectors have been silently wishing that he gets some basic good scores.

His record against India in India has been fantastic, where he8217;s laboured to master the difficult conditions, but there are questions to be answered in his own backyard. Clarke has his say on some important topics before the Boxing Day Test begins:

On his performance against India

8226;What comes to the mind immediately is my success against India, and that was because of my preparation, assessment of conditions, knowing what their bowlers did. But, I haven8217;t played India in Australia. They8217;re playing pretty well, aggressive and positive. They8217;re full of confidence. I will try not to get out. I have to be very patient and try and put the pressure back on them. I8217;ll have to move my feet and play my natural game.

On the MCG pitch

8226; It looked a little damp, there was a little bit of grass at one end and it8217;s bare at the other. The sun will probably dry it, flatten it out. With the forecast good, it will be a very good wicket over five days. If the day is overcast, it will swing.8221;

On Johnson-Tait competition in the XI and Brad Hogg

8226; We8217;ll probably have to wait till game day to see which of them plays, depending on the conditions. I was happy I am not facing them. They are both bowling quick. Hoggy8217;s number one asset is his accuracy. He8217;s also got a good wrong-un, it can be hard to pick.

On the show of aggression from both teams

8226;It really depends on what they mean by aggression. For us it8217;s about playing positively. I don8217;t think the verbal aggression really affects us. In fact, we react pretty well, we actually sweat on it. Guys like Symonds, it really gears him up to do well, and that was the case with Steve Waugh when he played.

On Indian batsmen

8226; I think they have some fantastic batsmen. They have lots of experience and knowledge. We know how they8217;re batting. The batting from both sides could set off a great Test and series. If the runs are on the board, the bowlers will get the confidence.

On Dravid as opener

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8226; I think Dravid is a great player wherever he bats. I hope he doesn8217;t get too many runs, though. The move probably gives someone like Yuvraj a chance but as long as we perform, we don8217;t care who we8217;re playing.