Clarke: India will be ‘extremely tough’

Australia captain Michael Clarke has reiterated that he was never one to discount India's World Cup chances, even earlier in the Oz summer, saying that they know the conditions well after five months Down Under.
India arrived in Australia in November last year and despite a poor Test series for the most part, and a bad showing in the tri-series with England, they are unbeaten at the World Cup and will face Clarke's side in the semi-finals.
Clarke, after his side's win against Pakistan, said of India: "They are obviously playing a lot better than they were throughout the start of the (Australian) summer.
"I said leading into the World Cup that I thought India were going to be an extremely tough team to beat.
"They are a very good team and because they have spent so much time in Australia, they know the conditions quite well.
"The game on Thursday is going to certainly be a challenge. We definitely have to be at our best to beat them. We look forward to that challenge.
"Thursday becomes our World Cup final. We look forward to it."
The other semifinal will be played on Tuesday in Auckland, between South Africa and New Zealand, so the Aussies will know their potential finals opponents by the time they face India at the SCG on Thursday.
Latest
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
News
Paul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.
-
News
Paul Collingwood ‘desperate to help out’ new England coaches, says Rob Key
Australia’s Matthew Mott has been appointed to lead the white-ball team, with Brendon McCullum the new man in charge of the Test side.