Everyone has to perform in the team now: Clarke
December 21st, 2011 - 7:19 pm ICT by IANSMelbourne, Dec 21 (IANS) Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke feels that the selection of Ed Cowan has sent a strong message to all the the players - perform or perish.
“Ed has been a consistent performer and will be looking forward to an opportunity. We have to work out what the best combination is. Everyone has to perform in the team now,” Clarke was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.
Clarke said that former captain Ricky Ponting “was fine” and would play in the first Test against India in Melbourne despite recovering from nasty blow on his finger from young paceman James Pattinson during training.
Clarke admitted that all-rounder Shane Watson’s ongoing struggle with a hamstring injury was a concern. Cowan is likely to open the batting with David Warner.
“Hopefully he will do some batting during the Boxing Day Test for Sydney,” Clarke said.
Shaun Marsh impressed Clarke with a double training session Wednesday morning with a prolonged batting and fielding session.
“We left and he (Marsh) was still fielding. He looked good batting but we will have to see for the Test,” he said.
Clarke said Dan Christian was capable of batting at No.6 and fulfill the all-rounder’s role.
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- Australia recall Hilfenhaus, Cowan set for Test debut against India - Dec 21, 2011
- Harris returns to Australia Test squad - Dec 30, 2011
- Forrest, Wade in Australia's Test squad; Haddin retained - Mar 14, 2012
- Watson doubtful; Christian and Cowan's chances now brighten (Lead) - Dec 20, 2011
- India opt to bat against Australia at SCG - Jan 03, 2012
- Australian top order asked to attend batting camp - Dec 14, 2011
- Australia name unchanged XI for second Test - Jan 02, 2012
- Australia opt to bat against India - Dec 26, 2011
- Harris, Starc dropped from Windies tour, Haddin recalled - Feb 29, 2012
- Dan Christian gets Australia call-up for second Test - Dec 05, 2011
- Australia name unchanged side for second Test - Dec 08, 2011
- India let Australia off the hook (Roundup) - Dec 26, 2011
- Lunch scoreboard: India vs. Australia, Day II - Dec 27, 2011
- India's best chance of a series win in Australia (Preview) - Dec 25, 2011
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