Micheal Clarke is in Kolkata right now. Image Source: twitter[/caption]Kolkata: Former Australia captain Michael Clarke is hoping to see an India versus Australia final in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy in England next month, with Australia winning by one run.
"I am backing India and Australia to play the final and hope Australia win by one run," Clarke told reporters on the sidelines of an event in the city here.
Clarke reckons Australia will be the hot favourites to lift the trophy if the conditions do favour their fast bowlers.
"Look I think the conditions are going to play a big part. As far as the Australian team is concerned, if there is seam and swing, I think the Aussie fast bowlers will be really tough to face. The likes of Starc (Mitchell), Pattinson (James), Hazzlewood (Josh) and Cummins (Pat) bowling at 145-150 kmph’s, they’re going to be really tough to face as will be the likes of South Africa.”
The 36 year old cricketer turned commentator also added, “The likes of South Africa also have got good fast bowlers."
The former Aussie great also backed India to do well in the tournament, provided the conditions are hot and humid.
"If it's hot and the pitch spins, you think of no better exponents of that than (Ravinchandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja. So I think that will play into India's favour.”
On being asked about how he rate India’s chances in the Champions Trophy considering most of the top order batsman hasn’t been in the greatest form in IPL, Clarke said, “It is a different format all together. In regards to batting you can afford to give yourself a real chance to get into your innings. So, I don’t think the Indian batsman will be too concerned about their form in IPL. They will have enough time to prepare and be ready for the tournament. They will be confident considering they won the tournament last time. I think they had success in the shorter format in the UK and that will make them feel confident. They got a good mix of youth and experience as well which is very important for a major tournament. I am backing myself for an India-Australia final.”
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