We have always put the team first: Clarke
Updated On: 06 January, 2012 01:22 PM IST | Agencies
Australian captain Michael Clarke said Friday that the philosophy of always putting the team first was key in the innings and 68 runs win over India in the second Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here Friday.
Australian captain Michael Clarke said Friday that the philosophy of always putting the team first was key in the innings and 68 runs win over India in the second Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
"We have always put the team first. I never thought about any milestone while declaring the innings yesterday. The only thing that I had in my mind was that India have a great batting line-up and we needed time to bowl them out," said the local boy, who was the Man of the Match with an unbeaten 329 at his home ground that was hosting its 100th Test.

PIC/AFP
Australia declared their first innings at 659 for four after a landmark triple century by Clarke. India made 191 in the first innings and were bowled out for 400 in their second shortly after tea on the fourth day of the second cricket Test.
Clarke praised his bowlers for the memorable win that gave Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Poll
Who will win the Punjab Elections?
"It was a tough wicket to take 10 wickets but our bowlers were brilliant. I've spoken about consistency and our guys are doing that now. In any team you need experience and youth and I think now this Australian team has it," he said.
The 30-year-old was also relieved after his predecessor Ricky Ponting ended his two-year century draught with a crucial 134.
"I was as relieved as Punt (Ponting). His attitude around the group has been exceptional," he said.
Clarke also cherished the crucial wicket of Sachin Tendulkar with his part-time left-arm spin.
"It (Sachin's wicket) is a very handy one to have," Clarke said, adding that Australia are contemplating unleashing a four-man pace attack on India in the third Test at the bouncy WACA in Perth.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that his boys are capable of beating Australia in Perth.
"We were down in the first session on the first day. A few batsmen got out to good deliveries. It was very difficult to contain Clarke. We can beat this team in Perth," said Dhoni.
u00a0
Trending Stories
Latest Web Stories
Latest Photos
06 August, 2026 08:34 PM IST | In Photos: Hiroshima Day Silent Peace March 2026
Preshit Deorukhkar
17 December, 2025 11:56 AM IST | IN PHOTOS: MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan during Maharashtra Legislative Council polls
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:32 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: People in Mumbai celebrate Gauri Puja during Ganeshotsav
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:13 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: Mumbai witnesses sunny weather as rains take a break
Asif Ali Sayed
Latest Videos
ADVERTISEMENT
Mid-day Fast
Latest Headlines
12 August, 2026 07:33 PM IST | Oshin Fernandes
10 August, 2026 07:17 PM IST | Test Tushar
10 August, 2026 11:49 AM IST | Makepeace Sitlhou
06 August, 2026 08:34 PM IST | Preshit Deorukhkar