Clarke dismisses suggestion about depletion of Oz batting stocks

Sydney: Australia captain Michael Clarke has said his team is in good position for the upcoming tours against England and Pakistan, before South Africa and Sri Lanka arrive in the Australian summer, and dismissed talks that his team’s batting stocks were depleted.

In an intense 15-month period the Australian team will also tour India before back-to-back Ashes series. “I think we`re in a good place, but I think this summer is going to be a real test for us,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Clarke, as saying. Clarke said there is plenty of depth in Australia’s domestic circuit, and many players are ready to step up to play at international level. “I think there is good depth. I`ve always said you need to have a good mix of youth and experience in a successful team, and I think we`ve got that at the moment,” Clarke said. “I think the strength of Australian cricket has always been the first-class system, so hopefully all of us go back and go play state cricket this summer before the Test matches start,” he added. “Hopefully the batters can put a lot of runs on the board and put pressure on the current top six in the Australian team. That`s what we need,” he further said. ANI