Clarke lauds Aussie team spirit – Cricket News Update
Winning the closely contested 1st match of the much-hyped 3-Test series in the Caribbean, Australian skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Devi-Chand-Worrel-c53918
Trophy, which lasted from April 7 – 11 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The West Indians dominated the first three days of play, putting forth an impressive batting display, accumulating a formidable 449-run total in their first innings, courtesy solid performances over all, and an excellent century by veteran http://www.senore.com/Cricket/S-Chanderpaul-c2390
(103).
The Aussies came out to bat on the 2nd day, and were able to accumulate 406 before Clarke decided to declare the innings well into the 4th day, despite the fact that they were trailing by 43. The decision to declare the innings was
what paid off for the Aussies in the end, as they were able to send the Windies packing for 148 in their 2nd outing, and were subsequently left to chase 192 on the final day of the match.
"The spirit and the character of the guys in the change room is what drives you, I guess, as a captain to make a bold decision, to declare when I declared,” said http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120, explaining how his players did not let him feel the pressure of his bold choice.
The Test series is of utmost significance for both sides, as the limited-over competitions before this ended in frustrating draws. The Windies are bent upon giving the visitors a tough challenge, having put up a surprising fight in the limited-overs series,
after having been embroiled in battling poor form and politics.
The Australian contingent, meanwhile, is eyeing the on-going Test competition for glory away from home (after having secured an emphatic 4-0 defeat of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 Test team status.
"From day one of the Test, all that's been spoken about is what we have to do to win this Test match,” said Clarke.
The 2nd Test of the series is scheduled to begin on April 15 at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
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