2nd ODI: Clarke delighted with team’s return to form

Australia captain rejoices in 88-run win against England.

MANCHESTER: Australia captain Michael Clarke was a relieved man after a century in an 88-run One-Day International (ODI)win over England at Old Trafford played a key role in his first victory over a Test nation in seven months.

Clarke’s 105 off just 102 balls was the centrepiece of Australia’s 315 for seven in the second ODI at Old Trafford on Sunday against an England side resting several members of their Ashes-winning attack.

England were then dismissed for 227 as Australia went 1-0 up in the five-match series following Friday’s washout in Leeds.

For man-of-the-match Clarke, it was the first time he’d been on the winning side against a Test nation since Australia’s five-wicket victory in the fourth ODI against the West Indies in Sydney on February 8.

“It’s better than my last few press conferences,” said Clarke. “Sometimes it might not look pretty or feel great, but if you get over the line and get that winning feeling, it’s a nice side of the fence to be on, that’s for sure.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2013.

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