Michael Clarke angry with himself after Australia surrender against spin
Australian captain Michael Clarke has stated that his side did not learn from their mistakes committed against spin in India in 2013. The right-hander also mentioned that he is most angry with himself after the team’s no show in the UAE. Having entered the series against Pakistan with hopes of reclaiming their No.1 position in the ICC Test rankings, the Aussies were humbled 2-0 by the Asian side.
Lessons not learnt
"We have got to talk about what's just happened," Clarke said after the defeat in Abu Dhabi. "We were hopeful that we learnt some lessons from out trip to India but it doesn't look that way. Your goal has to be to try and become better," he added.
Misbah-ul-Haq’s men were ruthless against the visitors as they hurried on to their 356-run win in the second and final Test to pocket the series. Notably, this was Australia’s third heaviest loss in terms of runs. As a result of it, Pakistan jumped to No.3 in the Test rankings.
"We need to try and look to improve the next time we play in the subcontinent. There's no doubt the players will be happy to go home and play in conditions we are accustomed to," said Clarke, whose team now plays South Africa and India next at home.
Clarke disappointed with his personal form
The middle-order batsman did not have a good series with the bat either scoring only 57 runs from four innings.
Speaking on his own performance in the series, Clarke said: "I am probably most angry with myself. I am most disappointed with my personal performance to be honest. I have always prided myself on leading by example and in the series that we have lost since I have been captain I have been able at least to stand up and lead from the front where in this series I haven't done that.”
The 33-year-old also stated that he is trying hard to come good and such results can happen when a captain is not at his best.
"I don't have any excuse or reason for it. I feel like I have been working as hard as I can be on my game. That's what burns me at the most at this time. There's no doubt I am disappointed we lost the series 2-0 but when you are captain you take things personally and when you don't perform that makes it even harder," he concluded.