West Indies v Australia: Clarke keeps lid on great expectations

Tourists wrap up series 2-0 after 75-run win in final Test.

ROSEAU:

Michael Clarke celebrated a year in charge of Australia with a 75-run victory over West Indies in the third and final Test, but insisted his team is far from the finished article.

Since succeeding Ricky Ponting as skipper, Clarke has built an impressive record with nine wins, three draws and just two defeats in 14 Tests.

“A lot more grey hair, but I’ve really enjoyed it,” said Clarke, after Australia wrapped-up their Caribbean series 2-0.

“I’ve been very lucky to have some other great leaders around me, wonderful support staff who have played a part in me having success. And the captain is only as good as his stock. Come our next tour to England, the one-day series, we’ll be looking to continue to play some really good cricket and keep Australian cricket in the right direction.”

Clarke has been through the mill during his time in charge, with a series of great highs and embarrassing lows.

He led Australia to an impressive 4-0 home win over India, scoring 626 runs at an average of 125.2. He also became only the third player after Don Bradman and Wally Hammond to have made a triple century and a double century in the same series.

But he also saw his team bowled out for just 47 by South Africa in Cape Town, before squaring the series in Johannesburg just days later. Then came the shock defeat to New Zealand in Hobart in December last year.

Coach pleased with youngsters’ show

Australia’s South African coach Mickey Arthur praised the contributions of Matthew Wade, who made a maiden Test century and spinner Nathan Lyon, who was his team’s leading wicket-taker in the series with 13.

Ed Cowan also won plaudits from Arthur after the opener made a battling 55 in the first-innings of the final Test.

“It’s been excellent for the development of a lot of players who haven’t played out of Australia before,” said Arthur. “We played solid cricket, we’ve had a lot of youngsters  that are playing in these conditions for the first time. They all go back to Australia better players.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2012.