Defiant clarke puts onus on aussie batters

Captain Michael Clarke has put the heat on Australia’s misfiring batsmen by reiterating his optimistic belief his side can still win the Ashes this summer.

Australia have not recovered from a 2-0 Ashes deficit since 1936-37 when arguably the world’s finest ever batsman, Sir Donald Bradman, was the source of their inspiration.

In the 76 years that have passed since, Australia’s batting stocks have hardly looked as bare as they do now – highlighted by the performances in the opening two Investec Tests.

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Teenage spinner Ashton Agar is the tourists’ leading run-scorer, while only Clarke and Shane Watson have passed 100 aggregate runs.

Even more alarming is that paceman James Pattinson, ruled out of the series with a back injury suffered during the 347-run mauling at Lord’s, has the highest batting average at 36.

Australia could be reinforced by the return of controversial left-hander David Warner, after he hit 193 for Australia A during his exile to Africa last week, but Clarke is wary on pinning his faith on the return of one man.

Instead he believes his entire batting unit must step forward in Manchester if they are to kick-start a comeback he concedes is a laughable notion to most right now.

“I honestly believe we can win this series,” Clarke said.

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“I know there’s a lot of people out there that will laugh at me saying that. But I wouldn’t be here today if I thought this team wasn’t good enough to have success.

“The reality is our backs are against the wall.”

Asked if Warner, who returned to the squad this week after being sent to the second-string tour as punishment for punching Joe Root at a Birmingham bar following the Champions Trophy defeat to England last month, he added: “I don’t think it’s about one individual player.

“I think it’s going to take the whole squad and definitely the whole 11 players who take the field for us to take the series.

“It’s about performances and standing up and being accountable for our own performances. Hopefully the batters can lead the way.”

Steve Smith – who made a century in the tour game at Sussex last week – sat out Tuesday’s practice session with a bad back but trained yesterday.

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