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Clarke keen to extend Test career

28th March, 2015
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The end of Michael Clarke’s ODI career is nigh, but the same can’t be said of his Test playing days.

One of the major reasons for Clarke hanging up the coloured clothes was to ensure he could keep playing Test cricket.

Clarke didn’t speculate about when his stellar career might finish.

But the 33-year-old, who has dealt with chronic back and hamstring niggles throughout his career, hinted it wasn’t any time soon.

“I’m hopeful that it (giving up ODIs) will prolong my Test career,” Clarke said.

“That’s obviously a priority for me, to continue to be successful in the Test format.

“I don’t feel bad about saying that I believe Test cricket is the toughest part of our game … I do see it as the pinnacle.”

Clarke is also being currently chased by Big Bash League franchise Melbourne Stars.

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Prior to returning against New Zealand in the pool stage of the World Cup, Clarke had played 11 of a possible 34 ODIs due to his body.

The skipper’s durability in red-ball cricket is more impressive.

Before undergoing hamstring surgery last December, Clarke had never missed a Test on home soil.

Despite all the money being generated by Twenty20 cricket, Clarke was confident the Test format would remain the priority of most teammates.

“Their opinions aren’t too different to mine, a lot of the players I speak to,” he said.

“They love T20 cricket and one-day cricket, as well.

“There’s room for all three formats.”

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Clarke has demoted himself down the batting order a handful of times during the World Cup and suggested he’d be happy to do the same in Sunday’s final.

“It’s about the team winning and fortunately on both occasions I’ve made that decision we’ve gone on to win the game,” he said.

“Tomorrow will be no different.

“If I feel it’s best for me to walk out at No.4, then I walk out at No.4.

“If it’s best for me to not bat in the game, then I don’t bat in the game.”

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