Test team a ‘no-brainer’, says Clarke

Australia captain pleased with team’s preparation for return Ashes series

SYDNEY: Confident captain Michael Clarke said Monday there will be no surprises in Australia’s team for the first Ashes Test with players in such good form they were ‘no-brainer’ selections.

 

Australia are due to announce today a 13-man squad for the opening clash against England from November 21 and Clarke likes what he has seen so far in the recent one-day tour of India and Sheffield Shield games.

 

“We are in a good place,” he said. “I honestly think that if they pick 12 players, then 11 of them are no-brainers for Test number one at the Gabba.

 

“I would imagine the majority pick themselves from the form they have displayed in all forms of the game. The exciting thing about where we are at right now, whether they are batters or bowlers, individual players have stepped up and performed.”

 

Clarke said all the players in contention for the five-Test series had done exactly what coach Darren Lehmann had asked of them as they attempt to reverse their 3-0 defeat in England and prevent their old rivals winning a fourth successive Ashes.

 

“It is what Darren Lehmann and myself asked the guys to do – go back to state cricket and take wickets and score runs to be in the front of the selectors’ minds.”

 

Prior out of England’s final Ashes warm-up

 

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior was ruled out of England’s final Ashes warm-up match in Sydney with a calf muscle injury, opening the door for Jonny Bairstow.

 

Prior felt tightness in his calf when attempting a quick single while batting on the final day of England's match against Australia A on Saturday, and the England Cricket Board (ECB) said he would be rested.

 

“Matt Prior ruled out of final warm-up match at Sydney after a scan revealed a low grade tear in his calf,” said the ECB. “He will continue his rehabilitation and recovery with a view to being available for the first Test.”