Clarke, Pattinson to miss the climactic final-Cricket News update
After the gruelling defeat in the 2nd final of the ongoing Commonwealth Bank series in Australia, the home team seems to be plagued with further problems, as if the Lankans were not enough for them. The Aussie skipper Michael Clarke, and fast
bowler http://www.senore.com/Cricket/James-Pattinson-c1653, have been ruled out due to injury from the 3rd final to be played on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at Adelaide.
The ominous news comes at a time when the home side is already reeling under pressure due to an almost one-sided match in the 2nd final. While the other in-form player http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DA-Warner-c1301 is also reported to be battling injury, and the exclusion of Clarke
and Pattinson would create a big gap for the Australians.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978, who scored a century in the second final, holds an indispensible position in the Australian side. Even in the first final he had scored the needed 37 runs to ensure victory. His presence from the 3rd final, both as a Captain and
batsman would be bitterly missed by his teammates.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 tour as well. On a personal note, Clarke must be feeling very unlucky to steer his side to the final contest and not being able to participate in it himself.
During the second final on Tuesday, he took the field despite his injury. However, the superior batting by the Lankan openers made him completely helpless.
James had been a key bowler for the hosts during the current CB series. During the 2nd final, he was amongst the wickets even though only 2 wickets fell for the Sri Lankans. He is reported to have stretched his hip muscle while diving in the field
during Tuesday’s contest.
His absence would create more trouble as Australia would need a replacement for him. It becomes more problematic for the hosts when http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Brett-Lee-c48419, another attack bowler is also rumoured to be physically unfit.
It would have hurt http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 to lose James but the exclusion of the Captain himself is an irreparable loss. With his absence, it apparently looks like Australia is conceding defeat even before the match has been played.
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