Clarke blames Australian batsmen for Perth failure – Cricket News Update
After two tight games at Brisbane and Adelaide, the Australian side faced a massive defeat at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 in the final Test at Perth, which not only cost them the series, but also took away their chances to get on top of the Test rankings.
Speaking at a press conference after the game, the Australian skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978, conveyed his satisfaction with the bowling performance but blamed the Australian batsmen for the loss.
“I don't want to take anything away from the Australian bowlers, I thought they bowled really well in the first innings and tried their backside off on a flat wicket in the second innings. I believe the reason we didn't give ourselves the best chance of winning this Test match is because of the way we batted in our first innings,” said Clarke.
The lack of consistency from the Australian top-order led to the middle-order buckling under pressure. The onus then fell on the bowling department to restrict the opposition.
The Australian top-order (first three wickets) was able to contribute a total of 40, 55, 91, 34 and 102 in the five innings respectively. Entering three digits only in the last game, the top-order failed to lay down a solid platform for the team.
The 3rd and final Test at Perth was not only the series finale, but was also important in terms of deciding the top Test team and being Australian veteran http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377’s last international match.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 also shared that Ponting was the most inspirational figure in the side, and his absence, which has not truly set-in yet, will be felt deeply when the team takes the field against Sri Lanka, scheduled for later this month.
“It's been a tough week, that's for sure. I still don't think it's hit the players fully yet. I think it will come the first Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 when we walk out on the field and see Ponting’s not there,” Clarke added.
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