Published: Feb 13, 2013, 04:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 13, 2013, 04:51 PM (IST)
Michael Clarke has an impressive record with the ball against India © Getty Images
Sydney: Feb 13, 2013
Former Australian cricketer and current expert, Greg Blewett has urged Michael Clarke to play himself as the second spinner in the line-up for the first Test against India to begin from February 22.
“I think Clarke needs to step up with the ball,” Blewett said, as reported by Fox Sports Asia
“I’d prefer him to bowl more overs rather than Steve Smith being a designated second spinner, but I like Smith’s bowling because he turns it away from the right-hander.”
While this could come as an interesting suggestion, the fact that Clarke has had a troubled back could be a stumbling block to this strategy.
However, Clarke had earlier hinted at rolling his arm more often than before.
“I’m more than happy to bowl as much as I need to bowl,” Clarke said at Sydney Airport.
“We’re very lucky we’ve got a good mixture of spin bowlers, all-rounders, fast bowlers, we’ve got some good choices in our squad. I enjoy bowling more in India, because conditions suit spin bowling, but we’ll wait and see what happens.”
In 89 Tests, Clarke has bowled 374 overs, taking 30 wickets at an average of 36.6 and economy rate of 2.93. His record against India is even more impressive, picking up 14 wickets at 34-apiece over 18 matches.
