Former Australia skipper, Michael Clarke has backed the Tim Paine led-side to win the World Cup next year in the United Kingdom (UK) despite their recent 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the top-ranked ODI side, England.
Meanwhile, England dominated a revamped Aussie side, who are without six of their top players. However, it was an opportunity for the youngsters to stamp their authority but they struggled badly in English conditions.
It was their batting again, who failed to capitalise on a good start provided by Aaron Finch and Travis Head in the fifth ODI at Old Trafford.
The pair added 60 runs for the first wicket before Finch departed. The spin duo of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid did wonders once again sharing five wickets among each other.
Alex Carey (44) and D’Arcy Short (47*) tried their best but ran out of partners as they finished for 205 in 34.4 overs.
In reply, Australia were on a roll sending half of England batters back to hut within 50 runs. Since then, Jos Buttler ensured that there no more hiccups as he took the hosts home in style.
Buttler’s red-hot form continues as he remained unbeaten on 110 runs to whitewash the Kangaroos in the 50-over format.
Michael Clarke backs the Australian team:
Clarke, the cricketer-turned-commentator backed his country despite the heavy loss. He admitted that although the team hasn’t played up to the potential, they can do wonders in the forseeable future.
The star batsman Clarke also backed them to win the coveted event if they get their full squad back.
The Baggy Green were without their top stars with Steven Smith and David Warner out due to a suspension following ball-tampering saga in Cape Town earlier this year.
On the other hand, they missed their pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins due to an injury.
“Australia is a much better team then they have performed this series. Get our best 6 players back and we can still win the World Cup… BUT,” Clarke wrote on Twitter.
🏏 Australia is a much better team then they have performed this series. Get our best 6 players back and we can still win the World Cup… BUT
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) June 25, 2018
Also read: Tim Paine Bullish about Australia’s World Cup Chances
