Clarke: Tough but we can win
FORMER captain Michael Clarke has refused to weigh into the debate surrounding his batting replacement but backed a new-look Australia to beat New Zealand in this summer’s Test series.
While admitting the Black Caps would provide a tough challenge, especially with the swinging ball in the opening encounters in Brisbane and Perth, Clarke said Australia knew how to get the job done in their own backyard.
Clarke wants the selectors to maintain a mix of youth and experience in an Australian side that is likely to boast several new players this summer.
“I think there’s a number of spots right now up for grabs,’’ Clarke said. “I’ve always been a big believer in a mix of youth and experience and I think the Australian team can still have that.
“We’ve got a couple of senior players I think are going to be really important moving forward and there’s opportunity for some youth as well.
“Australian cricket is in a great place. There’s so much talent. We’re seeing that at the moment in the domestic oneday competition.’’
Despite having the name of several likely candidates thrown at him, Clarke refused to buy into talk surrounding which of the prospects would snare his spot.
“I definitely have an opinion but I think it’s irrelevant, I don’t pick the team,’’ he said.
One man he is backing to perform – both with the bat and tactically – is new captain Steve Smith.
“Smithy will do a great job. He’ll lead well, I think he’s at the top of his game at the moment in really good form and that’s a great time for him to take over the captaincy.
“Australian cricket will look forward to some fresh ideas and fresh faces and Smithy will lead the way there.’’
But he will have a battle on his hands this summer, with Clarke saying there was no doubt the Black Caps would provide a tough test.
“I think we’re always pretty good in our own backyard, so I’m backing Australia to win the series, but I think it’s going to be tough,” he said.
“I think NZ has a good attack that can swing the ball, so you think about the first two Test matches – Brisbane and the WACA – they’re conducive to some swing bowling ... so that’ll be a good challenge for our batters.
“There’s going to be some challenges ahead but ... it’s exciting for Australian cricket.’’
AUSTRALIAN opening batsman David Warner says he will play in next week’s season-opening Sheffield Shield round after recovering from a broken thumb.