'They Can't Win Without Him In Australia' : Michael Clarke Names England's Trump Card For The Ashes
Updated - 08 Aug 2021, 06:34 PM
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has opined that England‘s chances have diminished in the upcoming Ashes series down under. Cricket Australia hopes to host the English team later this year in five Tests, starting from the 8th of December in Gabba. But Michael Clarke feels the tourists cannot regain the urn without their pacer Jofra Archer.
A few days ago, it emerged that Jofra Archer would miss the entire cricketing action from 2021 and is likely to undergo another surgery on his elbow. Jofra Archer’s elbow injury resurfaced when he played a game for Sussex in the T20 Blast, forcing him out of the two crucial events in the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. The fast and bouncy pitches of Australia could have suited his bowling pretty much.
Michael Clarke, who led Australia to a 5-0 series victory over England in his last Ashes series at home, feels the tourists would find it improbable to win without Jofra Archer. The New South Wales lad stated that Ben Stokes could be another significant loss, with their batting line-up also fragile. However, Clarke feels Archer is their X-factor.
“They can’t win without him. England cannot beat Australia in Australia without Jofra Archer. No Ben Stokes either, they’re cooked. Their batting is not that good. He (Archer) is their fear factor. Without Archer I think they’re cooked,” Clarke told Sky Sports.
I think you’ll see a better team in the Ashes: Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke also backed the Australian fast bowlers and ace spinner Nathan Lyon to perform better than they did against India. The 40-year old highlighted that the hosts’ batting line-up is a year more experienced and expects a better outing in the Ashes.
“Our quicks and Nathan Lyon should perform better than against India. The batting is another year older and another year wiser. I think you’ll see a better team in the Ashes,” he added.
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Jofra Archer Michael Clarke The Ashes
