Clarke aims to take Australia back to the top

Irish Sun (IANS) Sunday 15th January, 2012

Australia captain Michael Clarke was upbeat about regaining the Number One spot in all formats of the game after his side thrashed India by an innings and 37 runs in the third Test here Sunday.

Clarke said that Australia's successive innings victories against India was a step in the right direction in their quest for getting back at the helm of world cricket.

"I want to see us Number one in all three forms of the game, that is the goal of this team," Clarke said after Australia thrashed India by an innings and 37 runs in third Test here to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The hosts won the second Test at Sydney by an innings and 68 runs.

Clarke was also happy about wrapping up the match in less than three days, giving his bowlers ample time to recuperate and be fresh for the fourth Test at Adelaide starting Jan 24.

"Two-and-a-half-day Test matches help, that is for sure," Clarke said. "I honestly believe that has probably saved a few of us to be honest. The distance the Test matches have gone gives you an extra day. In this case we have got a few days off and we have a good week before we get to Adelaide. I would imagine they (the fast bowlers) will be very fresh again and looking forward to playing again."

Clarke was thankful that his batsmen did not have to come out and bat in the second innings.

"We made a pact yesterday that our bowlers should not have to send our batters back out on that wicket in the second innings. It was very pleasing that we were able to stick to our word today. We continue to show more consistency as a team, which is very pleasing."

Clarke was also all praise for his openers David Warner and Ed Cowan, who forged a 214-run opening stand which was followed by a batting collapse, reducing Australia to 369.

"I think a lot of credit needs to go to not only Davey (Warner), who batted unbelievably well, but also his partner Ed. As an opening partnership they played really well in pretty tough batting conditions. They made it look easy but there was certainly enough out there for the bowlers, as we saw today."