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Firdose Moonda in Centurion
October 18, 2011
Without the burden of captaincy, the pressures of leading the world's best one-day team and the complications that come with being the man in charge, Ricky Ponting is a freer man. According to new Australia captain, Michael Clarke, he is also a fiercer one.
"I have a feeling he is on the brink of having one of the best series of his career," Clarke said. "Watching him in the nets, I wouldn't be surprised if he gets Man of the Series in the one-dayers and is our leading run-scorer in the Tests."
Such a vote of confidence comes after Ponting finished as the second-highest run-scorer for Australia in their ODI series against Sri Lanka in August and scored 87 for Tasmania against Western Australia last week. To have a senior player in good nick will serve Clarke, who is still in his early days as captain, in good stead. "Ricky has been a big help to me throughout my career," he said. "He is a wonderful guy, very experienced and talented, still has a lot to offer in Australian cricket in both ODIs and Tests."
After leading them to victory in Australia, Bangladesh and ODI and essay contest in Sri Lanka said Clarke is probably the biggest challenge of his leadership so far in South Africa. Apart from the famous rivalry between the two countries, there are places in play in both formats and Clarke acknowledges that it will be an important test of his leadership.
"It's always good when you have the opportunity to play against tough opposition. I enjoyed every challenge we've had against them," said Clark. "They are very strong, experienced team. They have some young people also have not played a lot of cricket, which is quite similar to our team. "
The youth of Australia have burst onto the scene with the young paceman Cummins Pat steal the headlines after his performance in the two T20. Has accelerated in the test template and many believe it is on the verge of something special. Clarke was measured in his praise of Cummins, compared to the T20 captain Cameron White and New South Wales teammate Shane Watson, but he recognized its potential. "It's exciting young prospect, you can play fast, you can move the ball and a young, has a great knowledge of fast bowling."
It was just as conservative on the outlook of others, James Pattinson and Mitchell Marsh and said that they will be grafted to make their names. "I'm excited to see the kids have the opportunity to claim their place and now have in their hands the fate and the game in Australia."
It is in the fast bowling department led Australia's talent and Clarke said he has more to do with conditions in South Africa and the need to find replacements for the likes of Brett Lee. "We're trying to choose the right combination to know where we play. They have two spinners and four quicks is the perfect combination, now we're trying to choose the 11 best of the day."
Clarke said Australia will put their best foot forward, especially because their status as No. 1 ranked ODI team in mind and want to stay with her. "It's definitely something we are aware and very proud. I hope we can continue to play good cricket and stay on top. "South Africa could reduce the gap to a fraction, if they win all three games of the series. Hashim Amla said the team n has not even thought of that because they "have bigger things to worry about."
Amla, yes, it is one of the subplots of the series, which was initially supposed to be a competition for young leaders between AB de Villiers and Clarke. He said it is "enjoy, even if it takes some getting used to." Although Clarke does not give an assessment of the direction of AMLA, said the substitute captain may be under pressure. "I think it's more of a concern that did not receive AB. It is a very good player. They are surely going to lose and there will be some additional pressure on the shoulders of Hashim."
The return of Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn was beaming when he received AMLA "personal pet", but the resumption of a game format in which he excelled AMLA seemed more please. AMLA had played only three South African T20 captain before the previous two and was dismissed cheaply in both occasions. Now go back to the deck of fifty meters, where higher ranked batsmen in the world and it seems that he liked the extra time allows. "This will give us more time to evaluate and is not just a matter of one day someone has a big impact," he said.
AMLA also expects the format change would result in a change of fortune for opening partner Graeme Smith, who was miserable in contact with the T20, after his return from injury. "There is not much time to build up their sleeves, so I hope you will do well."
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