England outplayed us: Michael Clarke

"We got beaten by a good side. England outplayed us. We got to credit them for the performance, though we are disappointed not to win. They are a great Twenty20 side, with a lot of talent," said Clarke after his side's seven-wicket defeat in the final hereon Sunday. Clarke said England had executed their bowling plans very well to restrict Australia to 147 for six.

"England executed their bowling strategy very well. We lost three wickets very early in the innings and struggled there on. Though we eventually made 147, we were definitely 50 runs short against them," he said.

He said Australia could hold their head high despite the defeat as they had played some outstanding cricket throughout the tournament.

"We could be disappointed, but we could hold out heads high. They boys have done very well and played good cricket through the championship. We had one of the greatest games in Twenty20 internationals in the semifinal against Pakistan," Clarke said.

"We got so much individual talent that I am certain that Australia could improve in this format of the game. We have worked hard over the last 12 months, so we are getting there. We can only get better from now on," he added.

Clarke conceded that he was not in great form during the tournament but said it is for the selectors to decide on his batting slot or on the captaincy.

"I know I haven't been in great nick during this competition. It is for the selectors to sit and decide whether I am the best number three batsman in the Twenty20 format or good enough to continue as captain," he said.