MUMBAI, INDIA - APRIL 23: Former Indian Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke during a launch of a book "Eleven Gods And A Billion Indians" authored by Boria Majumdar at Taj Lands End, Bandra, on April 23, 2018 in Mumbai, India. On the eve of his 45th birthday, Sachin Tendulkar was the chief guest at a book release function. The master batsman recalled several tales during his playing days, mesmerising the select audience at a five-star hotel. (Photo by Pramod Thakur/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) Michael Clarke shuts down criticism of Indian pitches in the Australian media. After the second Test, Australia is 0-2 down in the series.
Thus far in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia’s batting has failed to counter the spin danger on Indian grounds. The Kangaroos were swept out in the second innings of the first Test in Nagpur in a single session then lost nine wickets in a single session in the second Test in Delhi.
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke expressed disappointment that Mark Waugh and Matthew Hayden were not consulted about Australia’s batting troubles.
Clarke slammed Australia’s tactic of sweeping every ball in Delhi and urged management to enlist the assistance of Hayden and Waugh in guiding the players. Six Australian batsmen fell like a pack of cards in the first session of Day 3 of the second Test, losing their wicket sweeping or reverse sweeping against Indian spinners.
“Both Matt Hayden and Mark Waugh are in India as pundits. If I were in the Australian camp, I would want both of these players at the nets every day. If they want money, give it to them,” Clarke was reported as saying on Season 4 of Backstage with Boria.
“Even Hayden who utilized the sweep to perfection is stating on commentary that you can’t just sweep every ball or play the reverse sweep every ball. He is aware of it. You can play these shots if you are not out 80 points, but not if you are on 8. Why can’t management make advantage of these players? “Why can’t they use their experience?” he said.
The 41-year-old went on to criticize the Australian media and veteran cricketers for their criticism of Indian pitches throughout the series.
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India has taken use of its home advantage and has done so correctly: Michael Clarke
“When you travel to India, you know exactly what you’re up against. You know what kind of pitches you’ll get, and let me state unequivocally that India has done the right thing by developing these types of wickets. They were astute. They have taken advantage of home advantage and are very justified in doing so,” Clarke added.
“Whenever a team comes to Australia, we always want to kick them off at the Gabba. We want to shake them up with speed and bounce. We know it’s the greatest approach to take advantage of home advantage. If it is not wrong, what India has done cannot be wrong. It is not incorrect. Second, in these conditions, Ashwin and Jadeja are as excellent as anyone in global cricket. These are two modern-day legends. You must show them the respect they deserve, and in order to do so, you must prepare well and intelligently. “Australia has not done so,” he stated.
The third Test between the two sides will take place in Indore on March 1st. Pat Cummins, who has returned to Australia to be with his ailing mother, will be replaced as Australia’s captain by Steve Smith.
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