Clarke praises Smith, lauds bowlers
Australia captain Michael Clarke said batsman Steve Smith was exceptional and also lauded his bowlers for delivering when it matters, after the Aussies booked a spot in the World Cup final with a convincing 95-run win over defending champions India.
Clarke had earlier won the toss and decide to bat first on a clear Sydney afternoon, and after losing opener David Warner early, Smith scored a masterful 105 off 93 balls as the home side racked up a total of 328 for seven in their 50 overs.
The Aussie bowlers then set about defending that target against an Indian batting line-up that is renowned for chasing big totals, in big matches. The bowlers came on top as the visitors were dismissed for 233 inside 47 overs, as Australia go in search of their fifth world title.
After the match, Clarke said: "The boys played some outstanding cricket. Smithy (Steve Smith) was exceptional once again… I was really proud of the execution under pressure from our bowlers.
"Everybody chipped in, once again a lot of the guys sacrificed themselves for the team.
"The most pleasing thing for me was the way we were trying. Our preparation was outstanding, the boys were turning up at the training every single day trying to try and become better."
Latest
-
NewsMohammad Hafeez bats away PCB contract offer
Mohammad Hafeez has shunned a Category C contract from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
-
NewsIndia v England, day one: Zak Crawley the only bright light for poor England
India held the upper hand in the pivotal third Test in Ahmedabad after bowling the tourists out for 112 and reaching the close on 99 for three.
-
NewsEngland frustrated with umpires after India dominate day one of third Test
England skipper Joe Root was heard telling umpires ‘all we want is consistency’.
-
NewsEngland slump to 112 all out as India take control of third Test
Zak Crawley’s half-century was England’s only innings of note.
-
NewsAxar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin have England in a spin in third Test
Patel claimed six for 38 to put India in complete control.
-
NewsZak Crawley leads England resistance but India dominate first session
The host’s spinners enjoyed more helpful conditions.
-
NewsEngland make four changes and opt to bat first in day-night Test against India
Rory Burns and Dan Lawrence made way for Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow.
-
NewsOn This Day in 2010: Sachin Tendulkar at the double with new ODI milestone
Then aged 36, he hit 25 fours and three sixes off 147 balls as India thrashed South Africa.
-
NewsJoe Root relishes bowling selection dilemma ahead of day-night Test with India
The England captain has to decide which of his seamers will make the cut in Ahmedabad.
-
NewsBrave decision looks familiar for David Warner in The Hundred
The Australia opener rejoins Southern Brave for the inaugural competition.