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Test team a ‘no-brainer’, says Clarke

Australia captain pleased with side’s preparation for the return Ashes series.

Afp November 11, 2013

Australia are due to announce today a 13-man squad for the opening clash against England from November 21. PHOTO: AFP

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 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. The exciting thing about where we are at right now, individual players have stepped up and performed.”

Meanwhile, wicket-keeper Matt Prior was ruled out of England’s final Ashes warm-up match in Sydney with a calf muscle injury.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2013.

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