Stand-in Australian captain Michael Clarke will juggle one-day international cricket’s past, present and future in Sunday’s clash with England.
The opening game of the seven-match series at the MCG will mark the 40th anniversary of ODI cricket, which began on January 5, 1971 when Bill Lawry’s Australians beat Ray Illingworth’s England side by five wickets with 42 balls to spare.
Lawry’s team – which included 1970s icons Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Doug Walters and Rod Marsh – will be presented to the crowd during the innings break on Sunday.
While Clarke says it will be a “very special game”, the skipper has more important things on his mind.
Not only are the No.1-ranked Australians determined to avenge their Ashes defeat with a strong performance in the ODI series, both teams will be determined to get their houses in order with a view to the World Cup starting next month on the sub-continent.
Australia and England must name their 15-man squads for the World Cup by Wednesday.
Clarke, who is acting skipper while Ricky Ponting nurses a broken finger, says the England series is the perfect way to build momentum before heading to the sub-continent.
Australia are yet to announce a side for Sunday’s game, naming a 14-man squad for the first match only.
The second ODI clash with England is on Friday in Hobart.
Key players for the World Cup such as under-done strike bowler Shaun Tait need more cricket under their belts before heading to the sub-continent next month.
Clarke says he doesn’t see any dramas in juggling the twin goals of beating England and preparing for a World Cup title defence.
“I don’t think it will compromise my captaincy or the team’s performance as such. We’ve got a squad here, we’ve got one game tomorrow,” Clarke told a press conference on Saturday.
“It’s the last opportunity for players to be looked at before the World Cup selection.
“That will play a part in selection for this game. But our goal is to win every game we play and to definitely win this series.
“We’ve got a huge World Cup ahead of us and these seven games are pretty important to build momentum going into that World Cup.
“It’s a wonderful time for both teams with the World Cup not too far away now and I think it is special that 40 years (ago) this great form of the game started.
“Hopefully the result will be pretty similar to what it was back then.”
Clarke, who struggled this summer in the Test series against England but is averaging 55.50 in the past year in ODIs, said he would take over the crucial No.3 batting spot in Ponting’s absence.
The MCG wicket appeared two-paced and favoured spin in Friday’s second Twenty20 International which Australia won by four runs to square the two-game series.
Australia face a choice between the two frontline spinners in their squad, Nathan Hauritz and Xavier Doherty.
Australia squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin, Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, Cameron White, David Hussey, Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger, Xavier Doherty, Peter Siddle.
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