Michael Clarke says better shot selection is the key to ending his recent lean run with the bat.
Since starting the 2013-14 Ashes series with consecutive centuries, Clarke has failed to pass 25 in his next 10 Test innings.
That includes two unbeaten knocks, making his average over the stint 20.
“I haven’t made as many runs as I would have liked but I feel like I’m working as hard as I (ever) have been,” Clarke said after stumps on day three of the second Test against South Africa, when the hosts held a 369-run lead and all the aces in Port Elizabeth.
“I’m hitting the ball sweet, I think my shot selection was extremely poor with my dismissal.
“I’ve got to be better than that. Hopefully in the second innings.”
In the first innings, Clarke popped a length ball from Vernon Philander straight to Dean Elgar in the covers to be out for 19 and leave his side in dire trouble at 4-81.
“I feel in great nick. I felt sharp, I felt like my feet moved really well in the first innings against a pretty good attack with their tail up,” he said.
Clarke conceded his side, rolled for 246 in 57 overs in the first innings, faced an almighty fight to deny the Proteas victory at St George’s Park.
“The wicket has deteriorated a little bit but more than anything else it’s staying low, so we’re going to have to make sure we’re switched on,” he said.