http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 desperate to end his struggle with form
Michael Clarke, the One Day International (ODI) captain for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, has said that he is determined to end his poor form ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup.
Clarke was so desperate to spend some time at the crease that he requested to play for his club side.
However, the request made by him was overturned by the National selectors and coaching staff. They wanted him to remain with the national side in order to prepare for the fifth ODI.
Clarke said, "I was keen to go back to Sydney and have a hit there but [the selectors and coaches] thought it was better preparation for me to be here with the team, which I agree with. Any opportunity I get to play cricket now I'll be grabbing with both
hands".
With the willow, this has been a dreadful summer for Clarke. He has failed to make an impact with the bat in all three formats of the game. In The Ashes series, he bagged 193 runs, averaging 21 with a sole half-century in a losing cause at the Adelaide Oval.
Furthermore, he has continued his poor form in the fifty-over games against England, as he has amassed 70 runs at an average of 17 with a best of 36. These are anxious numbers just ahead of the World Cup.
Nevertheless, the selectors have backed him, as they know that Clarke is just one good knock away to turn the tables
The Australian captain said, "I'm definitely sick of talking about it and a lot of people are sick of reading about it. I've said before the facts are there. My performances haven't been anywhere near as good as they need to be throughout this summer”.
He added, "I've felt like at times I've been hitting the ball pretty well but I haven't been able to go on and, not just get a big score or a hundred, but even get a 50 or a 70. I'm looking for answers and for me the only way to find those answers is to
train my backside off".
Nonetheless, one of the members of the Australian Selection panel, Greg Chappell, is impressed by his leadership qualities. His bowling changes, field placements and outthinking the opposition has delighted the selection panel.
Clarke has been pleased to earn the backing of the officials and fans around the country. He has been practising hard in the net sessions and is hopeful that his hard work will reap rich fruits.
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