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According to Clarke, “As long as we prepare as well as we can and play as well as we can through those five days, I don’t see any reason why we won’t have success. New Zealand are always a tough team to beat, don’t get me wrong, but if we’re at our best with this squad, we’ll beat them.”
There are a few new faces in the Aussie squad for the series against the Black Caps, as David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Ben Cutting and James Pattinson are included in the 12-man side.
Despite this new look squad, Clarke was certain that the team will be able to cope up with the pressure of playing in the longest version of the game. He added, “I think we’ve got a really good squad. I think it’s a great opportunity for these young guys to come in and make their debut.”
The threesome has been called for the two-Test series as the existing pace trio, including Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Pat Cummins, is injured. Cricket analysts suggest that if the young guys perform well, they can get chances to play the next high-voltage home series against Team India. However, the competition in the bowling department is tough as the Aussies currently have a rich crop of pacers waiting for the baggy green.
It is yet to be finalised whether what will be the line of attack for the home team, as the team’s skipper has not yet seen the conditions at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.
The batting line up is certain for the first Test, as only 12 players have been announced. However, the three new seamers will have to fight for their place in the playing eleven and the decision to pick anyone of them will be extremely hard for Clarke.
The veteran batsman was pleased with the way youngsters have performed at the domestic level and was said that it was a positive sign to see competition within the team. However, he will be under pressure to make the final call ahead of the opening Test against the Kiwis.
Clarke said that a thorough inspection of the wicket would determine who would get the nod.
“I haven’t even seen the wicket or been to the Gabba yet. (Tuesday) we train there and I look forward to seeing what the pitch is like and then I’ll speak to the other selectors and we’ll make a call from there,” he said.
“It’s going to be a tough call, because 12 doesn’t go into 11, but it’s exciting to have all of these young quicks around the group.”
“Ben’s been bowling really well in first-class cricket and there’s no coincidence that that’s why he’s in this squad. He’s very excited.”
“He’s really looking forward to an opportunity, like all the young quicks are. We just have to work out who we think our best 11 is and we’ll go with that.”
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