Clarke wary of India at Adelaide

Australian skipper Michael Clarke said on Monday that conditions in Adelaide would suit India well, and his team would need to be at its best to beat the visitors and make it 4-0.

"We know these conditions are probably going to suit India a lot more than where we have come from in Perth, so we are going to have to be at our best to beat them, that is for sure," Clarke told reporters. “It is going to be a tough challenge. India will be very keen to finish the series on a high.”

Clarke also said winning the series 4-0 would brighten Australia’s chances to regain the No 1 Test ranking. "I want us to be the best team in the world," Clarke said.
"I want to let every player inside that change room to know that right now we should be very proud that we've beaten such a good team in the series. But we haven't achieved what we want to achieve, and until we get back to the top of that table I don't think I will be satisfied.”
Clarke said he would be relying on his bowlers' ability to reverse swing to get the better of the visitors. "I think reverse swing will play a huge part in this Test. The ground is in great nick, so the outfield will keep the ball newer than I have seen it in the past. But I think as the day goes on, especially in the heat, you will see a lot of reverse swing,” said Clarke.

Considering the spin-friendly conditions, Clarke said, offie Nathan Lyon would feature in the playing XI, while left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc would be the 12th man. There was a talk of either Peter Siddle or Ben Hilfenhaus getting rest in the Adelaide Test, but Australia have decided to persist with them, and Clarke explained the rationale.

"We think that's the best XI to give us every chance to win this Test. I think the experience of the other three quicks will play a big part in these conditions,” he said.

Clarke also offered his support to struggling batting giants of India. “They're three good players and very well-respected all around the world, especially in this country. We have the utmost respect for them," said Clarke.