Clarke unable to explain Aussie loss to Sri Lanka
Michael Clarke was at a loss to explain Australia’s one-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in their first ODI at the MCG, a defeat that leaves the home side with just two more matches to recapture that winning feeling ahead of the Ashes.
“I honestly don’t know how we lost that game,” said the stand-in skipper, whose side was unable to break what turned into a 132-run ninth wicket partnership between Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga as they watched what should have been a routine win slip away from their grasp after the visitors had crumbled to 8-107.
“I think we probably could have performed much better with the bat. I didn’t think 240 was enough on a pretty good wicket,” Clarke said. “But in saying that having them 8 for 107 we definitely should have won the game. So very disappointing, but in saying that full credit has to go to Sri Lanka.”
“Just seems to be right at the end when we get close to winning matches we just can’t seem to turn the corner I guess. We just can’t seem to get that win over the line. But we need to continue to improve.”
Finishing off matches is fast becoming an Achilles heel for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, who in six consecutive international losses across Test, ODI and Twenty20 International cricket have started to develop an unwelcome habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Australia also had chances in both their losing Tests against India on the subcontinent during October, with India’s one-wicket win in Mohali another case of the Aussies finding themselves unable to take those crucial tail-end wickets for victory. Then, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/VVS-Laxman-c2772 to deny Australia victory.
Dwelling on a losing streak that stretches back to July is not an option for Australia, who now need to win their final two ODIs against Sri Lanka to build some momentum as they seek to reclaim that coveted urn from England.
“We’ve got two more one-day games against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 said. “We’ve got one day to get our heads right for Friday’s game at the SCG so we’ve got some work to do.”
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