Clarke ready for trial by spin against India

Julian Guyer

Michael Clarke admitted his bowlers were ready for a trial by spin when they faced India in their opening Super Eights clash at the World Twenty20 here on Friday.

Australia collapsed to 65 for six against Bangladesh with the Tigers' spinners taking four wickets between them after fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza removed opener Shane Watson on his way to figures of two wickets for 28 runs.

But man-of-the-match Michael Hussey held firm with an unbeaten 47 and was well-supported in a seventh-wicket stand of 74 in seven overs by Steven Smith (27) as Australia finished on 141 for seven. Left-arm fast bowler Dirk Nannes then took an Australian Twenty20 record four for 18 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 114.

But the way in which Australia's top order slumped against Bangladesh raised questions about how they would cope with the seemingly stronger challenge of the India attack. Australia are set to face an old antagonist in off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, and several other quality slow bowlers, as well as India left-arm quick Ashish Nehra.

"I think spin bowling is going to play a big part in this tournament, whether that's how you face spin or you bowl spin," Clarke said. "India have got some good spin bowlers, Harbhajan is one of the best in the world, so we're going to have to work out a plan against him and back ourselves at that.

"Every player in our team plays spin bowling differently, you need to be confident with your plan and stick to that." BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Thursday, AFP