Clarke: Wanted To Make Sure We Played Our Best Cricket

Michael Clarke was all smiles after his team handed the English team a crushing 405 run defeat in the second Test of Ashes at Lord’s. While it was expected that Australia would come hard at England after they were outplayed in Cardiff, the margin of the victory is something which was really unexpected.

Talking to SkySports after the match, Michael Clarke said, “We didn’t talk too much about Cardiff, once we left that changing room our focus was turning up here and making sure we played some of our best cricket. We knew we didn’t play our best, but today the boys up there can look themselves in the mirror and know they played some pretty good cricket”

Clarke added, “Couldn’t have asked for a better performance from every single player, the way the boys batted – Smith, Rogers, Davey Warner – and the intent through the second innings was outstanding then the execution from the bowlers.”

Clarke also had something to say for the players who were brought in for this test, that is, Peter Nevill and Mitchell Marsh. While Peter Nevill was handed a debut after Brad Haddin had to miss the test match because of some personal reasons, Shane Watson was dropped to make way for Mitchell Marsh.

“Marshy played really well, his intent shows how much of a team player he is. He got two crucial wickets in the first innings, didn’t get a long bowl in the second dig but did a great job as well. Credit to the selectors for going with their gut, it was hard on Watto who has been a fantastic player for us but that’s the advantage we’ve got with the squad.”

Clarke also spoke of Mitchell Johnson’s form, returning to his best after having a poor match at Cardiff. “He’s such a great athlete that he can bowl long spells or I can ask him to bowl short spells – it’s about assessing the wicket and the game. Credit to the rest of the attack, too, because the way they operated allowed Mitch to do that.”