Aussie cricketers out to build momentum

An upbeat Michael Clarke believes building much-needed momentum in the upcoming one-day series against South Africa can help Australia’s battered Test side bounce back against India.

Australia departed for the UAE last month two wins away from wrestling back the world No.1 Test ranking from South Africa, but returned home on Wednesday with tails between their legs following a 2-0 hammering at the hands of Pakistan.

Now Clarke must find the right balance between preparing for the ODI World Cup in February and March and restoring order in the Test arena beforehand.

“As a team, I think the best thing we can do is get back out on the park and have success,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what format. I like to see Australian cricket winning.”

That includes launching the summer with a strong performance in the four-game T20 series against the Proteas, even if Clarke isn’t directly involved.

” … The more success we can have, the more momentum we can build and going into a very big Test series against India – and a tough Test series – and obviously the World Cup, we’ve got a lot of tough cricket ahead of us,” Clarke said.

“So the more we can win in all three formats of the game, the better for Australian cricket.”

Like the top-ranked South Africans, Clarke wants Australia to dominate all forms of cricket and said he placed equal importance on the looming Test series as the World Cup.

“They’re as big as each other,” he said.

“This five-game one-day series against South Africa is a huge series. They’re the No.1 team in the world now.

“India’s always a tough challenge. The Tri Series and then the World Cup, the West Indies Test series and then the Ashes.

“So you take your pick, they’re all going to be tough. They’re all as important as each other, in my opinion.”

While crumbling against Pakistan hurt, Clarke said Australia had otherwise enjoyed a successful last 12 months, backing up their 5-0 Ashes whitewash of England with a Test series triumph in South Africa.

The challenge now is finding a way to consistently win on the road.

“I’ve always said to be a great team you have to win away from home as well as at home,” Clarke said.

“So I guess we’re still learning as a team. That’s probably what it is. It’s a fair indication that we’re a lot more comfortable playing in our own back yard.

“I think we’ve got the talent. I think we’ve got the work ethic. I think we just need to continue to learn to play in all different conditions and adapt in all different conditions.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!