Clarke still confident in spite of Australia’s new underdog status

SYDNEY - Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke says he is confident the trying experience of losing the Ashes series to England will help him become a better cricketer and a better person.

He told the Sun-Herald: “It’s been a hard week to put into words. At times I was honoured and proud. At other times disappointed and reflective. Mostly, the week was one of experiences which will hopefully make me a better cricketer and person.”

Former skipper Steve Waugh said that despite Australia appearing exhausted and defeated, Clarke showed promise as a leader.

“It’s hard to analyse Michael’s performance because he was really up against it,” Waugh said. “But there were definitely some encouraging signs.”

Nevertheless, Waugh said, the team slipped back into a defeatist mentality.

“It just looked like Australia’s batteries had been drained,” he said. “There was no real spark or life left in the team. They were almost going through the motions.”

Clarke as captain in the Sydney Test tried different approaches, for instance, opening the bowling with Mitchell Johnson rather than having the left-arm quick come on as a change. He made a surprisingly large number of bowling changes, trying to mix things up, keep England guessing. He wouldn’t stand by and watch the side get run over. He also did his best to encourage and help NSW teammate Usman Khawaja through his Test debut.

In the heat of the fire, Clarke remained composed. Only after one of his dismissals did he lose control of his emotions, letting out a yell of frustration. He scored four in the first innings and 41 in the second.

Not enough in any Test for a No.4, especially when your opposition amasses 644 in one dig.

He gave credit where it was due: “No doubt England have outplayed us through this series, in all facets of the game. They’ve showed us discipline and execution with the ball, to make the batters play a false shot. With the bat they’ve showed us how to go on and get big scores once you get a start.”

Clarke was honest about where things are at but gave supporters hope. “As players we feel disappointment right now, but we do see potential. We think we are better cricketers than what we have.” (ANI)