Ricky can bat at any position: Clarke
First Published : 25 Jan 2012, 15:48
Last Modified : 25 Jan 2012, 15:48
Adelaide, Jan 25: Australia skipper Michael Clarke scored an unbeaten 140 on Day 1 of the fourth Test against India at the Adelaide Oval. Although the hosts lost three wickets early in the day after opting to bat, Clarke and Ricky Ponting (137*) took Australia to 335 without losing another wicket at stumps.
Before play commenced on Day 2, Clarke spoke about Australia’s plans and his former skipper’s form in a brief chat with the media. Excerpts:
On the platform that they had set for Australia on Day 1
We are in a good position but there is a long way to go in this Test match. In the last few times I have played at the Adelaide Oval, making runs in the first innings is crucial. India have got a very strong batting line-up and we have to make sure we bat well today because they will come out and make a big score if they get a chance on this wicket. So we have to make sure we perform today.
On the target for declaration
I have at the back of my mind what sort of numbers I would like to declare at if we get that opportunity but I don’t think we can afford to look that far. [...] The second new ball has just been taken. We need to come out and start well this morning [and] get through that. If we are batting at lunch then we will look towards the declaration. It might have looked easy yesterday but it certainly wasn’t. There is enough there for the bowlers and we are going to have to start well today.
On his fantastic form through the series
It’s nice to be making some runs personally but the most pleasing thing for me is that the team’s playing well and winning games of cricket which is a fantastic feeling. I really want to win this last Test match and finish the series 4-0 [...].
On whether Ricky Ponting can extend his career batting at No. 4
Ricky not being captain has cleared his mind [...]. Now he can focus his batting, that’s for sure. Ricky can bat anywhere in the [batting] order. He has performed at No. 3 for a long period of time and now he is performing at No. 4, which is great. He is more than happy to bat wherever he is required in the order. It is great to see him make runs; it’s fantastic.
