Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has predicted an India versus Australia final in the upcoming Champions Trophy starting in England, next month.
The World Cup winning captain feels that it will be conditions in United Kingdom that will have a lot of bearing on the performance of the teams.
“I see India and Australia in final. The conditions in the UK are going to play a big part. For example, if there’s swing and seam on offer, Australian pacers will be tough to face. That will hold us in good stead. The likes of Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins can be tough to face,” Clarke told reporters on sidelines of a promotional event.
However if it becomes hotter and some turn is on offer, spin twins Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin will be difficult to face.
Even though Indian skipper VIrat Kohli and batsmen like Rahane and Rohit are struggling to find form, clerk says that doesn’t affect India’s performance in champions trophy since it is completely a different format (50 over). Clarke also pointed that team India holds a perfect mix of youth and experience
“They will have enough time to prepare for Champions Trophy. There will be confident having won the Champions Trophy, last time. They have had success in shorter formats in the United Kingdom,” Clarke said.