Michael Clarke defends late declaration – Cricket News Update
Michael Clarke, the Aussie captain, has defended his decision to declare Australia’s first innings a touch late on day 5 of the first Test of the three-match series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 at Brisbane.
Having won the important toss, the visitors opted to bat first and posted a handsome total of 450 runs on the board. With an extra-ordinary bowling line-up in the presence of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Vernon-Philander-c2753, the Proteas were expected to give
a tough time to the home team.
However, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Andrew-Graham-Downton-c44379 Cowan and Michael Hussey batted out of their skins to take the game away from South Africa’s grasp. The captain registered a brilliant double-hundred; whereas, the two left-handers smashed timely centuries to help their team’s
cause.
Australia declared their first innings at 565 for the loss of just five wickets on the last day of the match, taking a first-innings lead of 115 runs. Some of the former cricketers believe that the Kangaroos should have declared the innings much earlier
in order to enhance their chances of taking a lead in the all-important series.
The home team scored their runs at more than four runs per over, which is stunning for Test cricket. Clarke praised Hussey for the positive intent he brought to the crease. Overall, the Australian skipper is happy with his side’s performance but is disappointed
that the match ended without a result.
“I thought it was going to be tough if we had to chase 250 or 280 on that wicket on the last day,” http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MEK-Hussey-c1942 was playing and scoring quite quickly last night,
was to get a lead, come out this morning and be as positive as we could, and then give ourselves enough time in the game to take nine wickets. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time.”
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 can consider themselves a touch unlucky as the second day’s play was completely washed out due to rain. The second Test begins from November 22, at the Adelaide Oval, with both the sides looking to gain ascendancy in the battle.
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