Captain Michael Clarke says Australian cricket faces the most testing year in its celebrated history as his side tries to reclaim both the No.1 Test ranking and the Ashes.
At the official launch of the Australian summer of cricket in Sydney on Monday, Clarke said his rejuvenated side was intent on doing all it could to restore Australia to the top of world cricket’s totem pole over the coming year.
“It’s a really exciting 12-15 months, as big a time that I will have in my career,” Clarke said.
“We have all been working very hard and it is something we are all really looking forward to.
“I can guarantee you it certainly won’t be lack of work ethic that lets the Australian cricket team down.”
Australia start their summer with a three-Test series against world No.1 South Africa in Brisbane on November 9, followed by a three-Test series against Sri Lanka at home.
After limited-overs series against World T20 champions the West Indies, Australia travel to play four Tests in India before going to England as they attempt to win back the Ashes.
That series is followed by an unprecedented return five-Test series against England next summer.
But Clarke said the Proteas are his side’s priority at the moment.
“We have some really tough opposition in South Africa, the No.1 side in Test cricket, coming to Australia very soon and our main focus is on that.”