DARWIN: Australia’s cricket stars said they were fit and raring to face India after their leisurely one-day clean sweep against Bangladesh.
The world’s top team embark on a grueling tour against their fierce rivals in a fortnight, just months after India’s tour of Australia flared into controversy. Stand-in captain Michael Clarke said Australia were super-fit and acclimatized to the expected heat after the 3-0 series win in tropical northern Australia.
“It’s been great preparation. It’s been so warm up here, the guys have had a great time, we’ve had brilliant training facilities and we’ve been doing plenty of fitness,” said Clarke. “I think all the boys are in pretty good shape and looking forward to getting over to India and having a good Test series.
“Our performances have been spot on and I think our preparation has been unbelievable, really good.” Ricky Ponting is expected to recover from injury to captain Australia with fast bowler Brett Lee and opening batsman Matthew Hayden also back in the side.
Hayden’s description of Harbhajan Singh as an “obnoxious weed” was one of many low points during India’s visit, with other controversies centering on race and bad sportsmanship.
Troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds, who was also involved in a bust-up with Singh, has been ruled out and told to get psychological help after missing a team meeting to go fishing.
Batsman Mike Hussey said Australia had gained plenty of confidence and valuable match practice against Bangladesh. “It’s important to be positive, you’ve got to know where you can get off strike,” he said. “If they’re just bowling ball after ball at you and you’re looking to survive, they’re going to get you out, there’s no question.” Australia are expected to name their squad next week. They depart for India on Sept. 21 with the first Test starting in Bangalore on Oct. 9.
South Africa turn
down Pakistan plea
In Karachi, South Africa have turned down a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board to organize a one-day series this month, saying their players needed a rest after a hectic tour of England. The Pakistan board had approached Cricket South Africa to host a tri-series also involving Sri Lanka after the postponement of the Champions Trophy which was to have been held in Pakistan this month. “Cricket South Africa have today informed us that they can’t arrange the series as their players have had a long and hectic tour of England which ended on a disappointing note for them,” Shafqat Naghmi, the chief operating officer of the board told Reuters.
Naghmi said the Pakistan board was now negotiating with the Sri Lankans to arrange a one-day series.
