As his young and inexperienced side make their final preparations, Michael Clarke knows that his own form with the bat is more important than ever before.
There may be plenty of debate about the relative strengths of the two Antipodean outfits set to walk out at the Gabba at midnight, but the bookies are firmly behind the home side.
Despite a slew of injuries to their squad, Australia will go into the first of two Tests in high spirits after their impressive victory at the Wanderers earlier this month, and when you consider that New Zealand haven’t won a Test on Australian soil in 26 years, it’s hardly surprising that punters on Betfair are backing the Baggy Green.
That said, Australia’s captain Michael Clarke will be ensuring that his side do not let even a trace of complacency into their preparations. Despite a superb century from the skipper himself, Australia were humiliated in Cape Town, and Clark is only too aware of his side’s battling frailties, having also been part of the XIs that were skittled for 88 by Pakistan and, memorably, for 98 against England.
With a bowling attack that will contain at least two debutants, Clarke will be making sure that his batsman know how important it will be to rack up big first innings runs, but there’s every chance that the skipper himself will lead the way with the willow. The standout batsman for Australia in South Africa, Clarke also loves playing against the Kiwis, having racked up more than 600 runs, including three centuries, in nine Tests against New Zealand.
With openers that can only be described as ‘hit-and-miss’ and an ageing Ricky Ponting above him, Clarke may soon find himself at the crease, which is why we’re be backing the captain at 5.3 to top-score in Australia’s first innings.
