Premium
This is an archive article published on June 30, 2012

Clarke asks team to 8216;pull out all stops8217; to level ODI series

Oz middle order failed to counter pressure built up by England during their 15-run loss Lords opener.

Australian skipper Michael Clarke has asked his teammates to pull out all stops to level the one-day series against England,but faces pressure to do the same at the selection table.

Australias middle order failed to counter the pressure built up by Englands lethal pace quartet during their 15-run loss in the series opener at Lords.

Chasing 273 for victory,Australia slumped from 1-96 in the 19th over to 5-147 in the 33rd over with David Hussey 13 off 29 and Steve Smith 8 off 13 in particular being unable to overcome the pressure.

England has now won seven successive ODIs,and they have won the last six home series in this format.

Clarke hopes Smith with his unorthodox stroke play will fill the role played by finishers Michael Bevan and Mike Hussey,The Courier Mail reports.

Reserve batsman Peter Forrest,No.3 George Bailey or No.7 Matthew Wade could slot in at No.6 with England targeting a 5-0 whitewash that would earn them the No.1 one-day ranking.

It is not five trial games,we are here to win. My goal is to pick the best XI and we will do that at The Oval. I don8221;t care which players take the field. We will look at areas to improve, Clarke said.

Story continues below this ad

Clarkes on-field tactics have been inspirational and innovative since succeeding Ricky Ponting as skipper but team makeup on tour will be scrutinised against old rivals England 12 months before the Ashes.

Australia must also decide whether to rest Pat Cummins and allow James Pattinson at The Oval.

 

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement