Australian captain Michael Clarke realizes that the opportunity to get one step closer to winning the World Cup at home makes today’s semi-final match against India potentially one of the biggest they have ever played, but said that is not going to change the way his side approaches the tie.
Australia are on a 12-match unbeaten streak in ODIs at home and their only recent defeat was when they traveled to Auckland for a group match against New Zealand, a nail-biting thriller which they lost by one wicket.
“As big as this event is to every cricketing nation and to the people that support the game, as a player, it’s no different to any other game,” said the 33-year-old skipper.
“I think you don’t do yourself justice if your attitude changes because of the event.
"I think every time I’ve walked out on to the field as an Australian cricketer, I’ve wanted to perform individually and help the team have success and that will be no different in this game. I can’t try any harder, nor can I train any harder.
“I think our focus as a team has been the consistency of preparation which has given us the consistency of performance. So nothing changes. Our preparation has been the same for every game, no matter what opposition we’ve played against.”
Although there have been experts who are predicting the wicket today to take turn and hence benefit the Indian spinners, Clarke said he had no concerns about the Sydney pitch.
He should know, having played most of his cricket in the early years as a New South Wales player.
“The SCG, in general, is a really good wicket. I think it’s normally even for both batting and bowling. I think the fast bowlers will hopefully get a little swing and a little bounce out of that wicket. Then as always, I think spin will play a part,” he added.
“But it’s generally as good a place to bat as anywhere in the world. I’m confident this game will be no different.
"It will be a challenge because India have a very good bowling lineup, a good mixture of spin and fast bowling.
"We’ve obviously had success against that attack. So the batters are as well prepared as we can be, and now we have to go out and execute.”
Clarke was also of the opinion that the toss would not play a very significant role.
“I think whatever you do first, anytime, you have to do it well, whether we happen to bowl first or bat first, I don’t think the toss matters too much in a One Day game,” said Clarke.
“Sometimes wickets in Australia can be better to bat on second because you get a little bit of the dew, so the wicket and the outfield quickens up.
"Then there is the other side that people always talk about – runs on the board in big games.”
Australia are expected to make their decision after having a look at the pitch in the morning.
However, there have been strong indication that they are planning to field the same eleven as the one that beat Pakistan in Adelaide.
