Ashes 2015: Michael Clarke says Australia were much-improved in the second Test at Lord's
Sunday 19 July 2015 20:58, UK
Australia captain Michael Clarke was naturally thrilled with his side’s dominant display in the second Investec Ashes Test at Lord’s.
Having been beaten in the first Test at Cardiff last week, the Aussies were much-improved in London and romped to a crushing 405-run victory when they bowled England out for just 103 on Sunday afternoon.
The bowlers were putting the finishing touches on a display which also featured big runs from top three Steven Smith (215 and 58), Chris Rogers (173 and 49 retired hurt) and David Warner (38 and 83).
And Clarke said: “I don't think I could have asked for a better performance from every single player in that changing room.
“The way the boys batted, obviously Chris Rogers and Steven Smith, and then David Warner got us off to a great start in the second innings.
“I thought the intent with the bat in the second innings was outstanding and the execution from the bowlers was spot on.
“We didn't talk much about Cardiff. Once we left that changing room, our focus was turning up here and playing some of our best cricket.
“We didn’t feel we played our best (in the first Test) but I think today the boys sitting up there can look themselves in the mirror and say ‘we played some pretty good cricket’.
“I'd like to be 2-0 (up in the series) but I'll accept where we are. We were outplayed in the first match but I think we bounced back really well and we have to be 100 per cent ready to go for the third Test.”
Australia called all-rounder Mitchell Marsh into their side in place of Shane Watson and he responded with three wickets, including the vital dismissals of Ben Stokes and Alastair Cook on Saturday, and a speedy 27 not out on Sunday morning.
Clarke added: “Marshy played really well.
“His intent shows how much of a team player he is, the way he walked out to bat today, and he executed really well with the ball, getting two crucial wickets in the first innings and then doing a great job in the second innings.
“Credit to the selectors for going with their gut and whatever they believe. It was hard on Watto (Watson), who has been a fantastic player for us for a long time, but that is the advantage we have with the squad.
“Everyone is fit and healthy and the selectors have to work out what they feel is the best 11 for each game."
Yet another plus for the tourists was the bowling of paceman Mitchell Johnson, who hounded England in the last Ashes series in Australia but struggled for wickets in Cardiff.
He bagged three wickets in each innings here and Clarke agreed that he is a great man to have in the attack.
“The advantage of having someone like Mitch is that he's so fit and such a great athlete he can bowl long spells, or I can ask him to come on and bowl short spells,” he said. “It is about assessing the wicket and game situation.
“Credit to the rest of the attack, the way they bowled today allowed Mitch to do that (bowl in shorter bursts).”
Rogers had to retire after suffering a dizzy spell on Sunday morning but Clarke hopes he will be OK to play in the third Test at Edgbaston, which gets underway on 29 July.
“Fingers crossed,” said the captain. “Obviously, he is a big part of our team and played fantastic in both innings here. Hopefully he will pull up OK.”
Coverage of the Ashes continues on Sky Sports Ashes with the third Test at Edgbaston from July 29. You can also watch the third Test with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Plus, our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.
