Vowing to lead from the front, Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke hopes to reprise his spectacular form of last summer in the looming super series with top-ranked South Africa.
Clarke piled on 626 runs at 125.2 in last year’s four-match series with India, his golden summer highlighted by an unbeaten 329 in the second Test in Sydney.
He also racked up 210 in the fourth Test to complete a rousing home series.
But with the bulk of his NSW teammates playing in the Sydney Sixers’ triumphant Champions League campaign in South Africa this month, Clarke has been idle from first-class cricket for five weeks.
He’s keen to get his eye in during the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland starting on Friday.
It will be Clarke’s last outing before the first Test starts at the Gabba on Friday week and he wants a big score after digs of 78, 0 not out, 37 and 22 – a total of 137 at 45.66 this domestic season.
“I’d like a few more runs than I’ve scored so far,” Clarke said on Monday.
“I think I made 40-odd or so in club cricket a couple of weeks ago, so I’d like a few more than that.
“I think my preparation has been as good as it can be. I haven’t had much cricket of late due to the Champions League.
“But I feel fit and healthy. My body’s in a good place, mentally I’m really excited and keen to start this summer.
“I know how big a summer it is and as captain of the team you need to be leading by example and scoring runs.
“It’s no different this year. I’d love to emulate last summer and make sure I’m leading the way with the bat.”