Conditions going to be similar to first two Tests: Michael Clarke

Mohali: Australian skipper Michael Clarke is ready for another litmus test having conceded that the conditions at the PCA Stadium here are pretty "similar" to the ones they encountered in the first two Tests of the four-match series.

Trailing 0-2 after big defeats in Chennai and Hyderabad, the hearts of Clarke and his men were gladdened after they had an initial look of the pitch a few days back. But the green cover of grass has been shaved over the last couple of days. "I have seen the wicket yesterday, have not seen it today, though it should not change much. There is not much grass to cut off and conditions going to be pretty similar to the ones in the last two games," Clarke said. The pitch here has been the subject of discussion over the last few days. Despite Mohali`s tradition of offering sporting tracks, the Aussie said he was not surprised to see a different surface this time around. "It`s not surprising at all. I have played in Mohali in the past but that`s how it is in international cricket," he said, referring to the departure from the past as far as the pitch here was concerned. "There is also one positive that we have played on similar tracks in the last two games, have learnt from the experience," he added. The Australian spinners have failed to trouble the Indians in the series so far, with the host batsmen scoring heavily against the likes of Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell and Xavier Doherty. PTI