A confident Michael Clarke says Australia are far better positioned for the home Ashes series with 11 players making themselves “no brainer” selections.
Australia’s preparation for the start of the series in England could hardly have been worse with coach Mickey Arthur sacked just 18 days out from the first Test and opening batsman David Warner suspended for ill discipline.
But now, 10 days out from the first Test of the new series at the Gabba, captain Clarke likes what he sees.
“I think there is no doubt there is more stability in our teams whether that’s the one-day team, the Twenty20 team or the Test team,” Clarke said at the launch of his Ashes Diary at the SCG on Monday.
“I would imagine the majority of the places (in the Test team) have been picked for themselves.
“The exciting thing about where we are at right now, whether it be batters or bowlers, individual players have stepped up and performed.
“Whether it be in the one-day format in India, the Ryobi Cup or the Sheffield Shield, the players have picked themselves which is a really impressive thing for our team.
“And it is what (coach) Darren Lehmann and myself asked the guys to do: go back to state cricket and take wickets and score runs to be in the front of the selectors minds.”
With Australia’s first Test squad to be named on Tuesday, Clarke – no longer a selector – believed it virtually picked itself.
“We are in a good place,” he said.
“If they are going to pick 12 players … 11 are no brainers.”
Middle order batsman George Bailey and paceman Mitchell Johnson look to be certain additions, with Nathan Lyon to hold the spinner’s spot.
A choice between Ben Cutting, Ben Hilfenhaus and Chadd Sayers as the fourth seamer looms, while allrounder James Faulker or specialist batsman Alex Doolan loom as likely cover for the injured Shane Watson in a 13-man squad Australian squad.
In contrast England do not appear as settled as they did ahead of their home series, with their batting order facing a likely reshuffle, Kevin Pietersen battling a knee injury, wicketkeeper Matt Prior ruled out of the side’s final tune-up, and doubt over who will be their third seamer.
However Clarke claimed he hadn’t been paying attention to England’s lead up as they prepare to chase a record fourth successive Ashes series win.
“To be honest I’m not concerned about England’s team,” he said.
“I’m really excited about where we sit as a team. I haven’t looked at England at all. I haven’t watched a ball they have bowled on this tour so far.
“I’ve been focused on performing for NSW firstly and talking to all my teammates, making sure they are all fully fit and feeling good about the summer and now we will start to make sure our minds are ready for the first Test.
