Australian batsman Michael Clarke feels that his team’s success against South Africa in the recent past is all due to the pleasant team atmosphere of having a good time which reflects on the field.
Australia recently completed a convincing 2-0 series victory against the hosts, South Africa, in the ongoing Test series. The Australian squad included some fresh faces with veterans Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds and Stuart Clark out due to injury.
However Australia, who had a forgettable 2008 Test season, came up triumphs with convincing victories in both Tests as newcomers Marcus North, Philip Hughes and Ben Hilfenhaus made noteworthy contributions.
Vice-captain Michael Clarke attributes this winning attitude to the fact that the team has transformed into a “tight-knit group”.
He said, “There's all this youth, all this enthusiasm, the boys have trained their absolute backsides off, but we're all having a really good tour together. Everyone is getting on so well.”
"It holds us in good stead for the future. It makes a big difference when you've got a good bunch of guys around you.”
Clarke said that he was talking to his father who commented that the team was looking unbelievable on the field with everyone having a great time.
Clarke reiterated that that’s exactly how the team was feeling, “We're just out there having a great time, playing well, winning - we're flying."
Only a few months back South Africa handed Australia its first home-series loss in 16 years when it won the three-Test series 2-1. However, on the current tour to South Africa, North scored a maiden century on debut in the first Test while Hughes became the youngest player score centuries in both innings of a Test at Durban.
With the veterans scheduled to return in the near future, Clarke says that the problem of plenty will only be a good thing for Australia provided they find the right balance.
“Since I've played international cricket there's always been someone in front of you that you're trying to catch or be as good as, or there are plenty of people behind you trying to take your spot.”
"There's going to be pressure on the selectors there to work out what the best mix is. If everyone is fit, they've just got to work out what the best mix is for who we're playing and where we're playing them. It’s great competition, it's very healthy for the team."
The third and final Test between Australia and South Africa begins on March 19 at Capetown.
Australia recently completed a convincing 2-0 series victory against the hosts, South Africa, in the ongoing Test series. The Australian squad included some fresh faces with veterans Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds and Stuart Clark out due to injury.
However Australia, who had a forgettable 2008 Test season, came up triumphs with convincing victories in both Tests as newcomers Marcus North, Philip Hughes and Ben Hilfenhaus made noteworthy contributions.
Vice-captain Michael Clarke attributes this winning attitude to the fact that the team has transformed into a “tight-knit group”.
He said, “There's all this youth, all this enthusiasm, the boys have trained their absolute backsides off, but we're all having a really good tour together. Everyone is getting on so well.”
"It holds us in good stead for the future. It makes a big difference when you've got a good bunch of guys around you.”
Clarke said that he was talking to his father who commented that the team was looking unbelievable on the field with everyone having a great time.
Clarke reiterated that that’s exactly how the team was feeling, “We're just out there having a great time, playing well, winning - we're flying."
Only a few months back South Africa handed Australia its first home-series loss in 16 years when it won the three-Test series 2-1. However, on the current tour to South Africa, North scored a maiden century on debut in the first Test while Hughes became the youngest player score centuries in both innings of a Test at Durban.
With the veterans scheduled to return in the near future, Clarke says that the problem of plenty will only be a good thing for Australia provided they find the right balance.
“Since I've played international cricket there's always been someone in front of you that you're trying to catch or be as good as, or there are plenty of people behind you trying to take your spot.”
"There's going to be pressure on the selectors there to work out what the best mix is. If everyone is fit, they've just got to work out what the best mix is for who we're playing and where we're playing them. It’s great competition, it's very healthy for the team."
The third and final Test between Australia and South Africa begins on March 19 at Capetown.
Sportz Interactive
Saturday, March 14, 2009 5:32:57 PM
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