Clarke disagrees England have psychological edge ahead of Ashes

Pa
Thursday 20 May 2010 05:54 EDT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Michael Clarke has dismissed suggestions England's resounding victory in the final of the World Twenty20 would give them a psychological edge against Australia in the Ashes series next winter.

England beat Australia by seven wickets in Bridgetown on Sunday to record their first ICC world trophy.

While Twenty20 skipper Clarke was disappointed to lose, he believes it will have little impact on the outcome when England travel Down Under next winter to defend the Ashes.

"It always hurts losing to England in any form of the game but there's a lot of guys from both teams that won't take part in the Ashes series," Clarke said.

"They will take confidence no doubt about it but I can guarantee you the way we've been playing, especially in Test and one-day cricket we're very confident.

"We've got a lot of talent. I'm very confident we'll be ready to go come the summer."

Clarke was particularly impressed with the performance of Steven Smith in the Caribbean and the young New South Wales all-rounder is putting his case forward for selection in the Test side alongside current spinner Nathan Hauritz.

Asked if there was room in the Test XI for Smith and Hauritz, Clarke said: "I think there's room for both of them in our squad.

"But the selectors have got some tough decisions to make if they can make room for both of those players.

"Nathan has done a wonderful job in all three forms of the game for a long time now.

"But Steve Smith has got an opportunity in Twenty20 cricket and made the most of it.

"He was one of the players that had a wonderful tournament and showed the world how much talent he has with bat and ball. It's a tough call."

The Australians have a few weeks without any action before heading to the UK next month for six one-dayers and two Twenty20 matches against England and two Tests against Pakistan.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in