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Michael Clarke leads the Australia team off the field
Michael Clarke leads the Australia team off the field following their World Cup semi-final win against India in Sydney. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images
Michael Clarke leads the Australia team off the field following their World Cup semi-final win against India in Sydney. Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

Michael Clarke says Australia will ‘have to play our best to win final’

This article is more than 9 years old
Captain not taking New Zealand for granted in World Cup final
MS Dhoni praises India team after 95-run defeat in semi-final
Australia verses India - as it happened

So the host nations will meet in the final for the second World Cup in succession. Australia will compete with the only team who have beaten them in the tournament. Yet Michael Clarke, speaking after his side’s resounding victory over India, reflected that the one-wicket defeat to New Zealand in Auckland in the pool stages was something of a watershed.

“That was the kick up the backside we needed,” Clarke said. “Our attitude since that game has been exceptional and we have been improving with every game”.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s final Clarke acknowledged New Zealand are the form team. “We will have to play our best to beat them although I think playing in our home conditions will help us. There is always a great rivalry as well as mutual respect between the two teams.

“The Australians and the New Zealanders have a wonderful relationship. It will be really tough on the field but we get on really well off it”.

Clarke could look back on a near flawless performance against India with Steve Smith, his new No3 in ODI cricket, to the fore with a smooth century. “I’m not surprised he’s doing so well there,” said the captain. “He’s earned that position and he has made the most of his opportunity. There will be a lot more runs from him and it will be no different in Test cricket.

Clarke added that Aaron Finch’s innings, which was much less fluent, would do him the world of good. “ Time in the middle will allow him to play with freedom. Don’t be surprised by a big hundred from him down in Melbourne”.

It seems as if all the parts of the Australia juggernaut are running smoothly at the right time. All the bowlers were on song in the semi-final in Sydney.

MS Dhoni was equally cheerful. He is adept at clearing his mind swiftly after defeat and he could reflect on a strong campaign. “Before the start we had problems to deal with after the Tri-series but it is important that we have a good dressing room,” the India captain said. “All the players and backroom staff have been brilliant. Everybody rose to the occasion. I’m disappointed we couldn’t go any further but Australia played the better cricket.”

India have been in Australia for almost four months. “Another 20 days and we could all start applying for citizenship”, Dhoni said. He was almost demob happy and toyed playfully with any questions about whether he would continue as ODI captain. He could walk away now with head held high but there is a Twenty20 World Cup in India in 12 months’ time.

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