India tour will be an eye-opener for the players touring for the first time: Michael Clarke

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke, who bore the brunt of the losses at the hands of India when his side toured the last time still believes that the fast bowlers are the key to Australia’s successes in India. While the subcontinent has a history of spin doing well, the former Aussie skipper believes that the likes of Mitchell Starc and others can certainly make a name for themselves in the upcoming tour of India.

Clarke initially went on to state that the Indians would be looking to dominate in their own backyard, but the fact is that the hosts will want to make full use of home advantage as the Australians did the last time the Indians made a trip down under.

“India on the other hand will want to dominate, they will want to continue to show how good they are in their own backyard,” Clarke said. “Australia has beaten India at home, now India will want to make sure their dominance in their own backyard stays there.”

However, Clarke was also skeptical about the manner in which the new players such as Mitchell Swepson will conduct themselves on the tour. “It’s hard to expect players to walk straight onto the big stage and perform, especially in conditions that are different to what you’re accustomed to,” Clarke said. “I think this Australia team is talented (but) we need to give these players some time to play around the world in different countries, learn, adapt, improve, get better, to see how talented they are.

“This series is going to be a really good eye opener for the players that have never played Test cricket in India, but also for their understanding of how you do face different conditions all around the world.”

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