Australia skipper Michael Clarke says ODI series win over Pakistan in the Gulf will ease pain inflicted during 0-4 drubbing in England earlier this year
Australia captain Michael Clarke praised his side after they bounced back from their humbling in England to claim a 2-1 one-day international series win over Pakistan in Sharjah yesterday.
The tourists defied sweltering heat and a four-pronged Pakistan spin attack to chase down a victory target of 245 with three wickets in hand in the decider.
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Veteran Mike Hussey led the pursuit with a composed 65, while 23-year-old rookie Glenn Maxwell underlined his growing status with a fearless unbeaten 56, from 38 balls, to secure the win.
Australian cricketers pose with the trophy after winning the ODI series against Pakistan in Sharjah yesterday. Pic/AFP
Maxwell, who was one of the few Australian batsmen to dominate mystery spinner Saeed Ajmal (three for 37), finished the game with a towering six after reaching his maiden half-century.
It meant Australia immediately got back to winning ways following their 4-0 reverse against England this summer, which saw them relinquish top spot in the ODI rankings.
“It’s very special, obviously after our defeat in England,” Clarke said.
“You know, we worked really hard before coming on this series. We were up in Darwin as a team and worked hard against spin bowling.
“I think we found conditions again so different to what we tried to prepare for up in Darwin, especially with the heat — I’ve never played in heat like this and humidity like this.
“What the most pleasing thing is — the whole series was won by the whole team, it wasn’t one individual player that won tonight and that won us this series. It was a tough victory against a very good one-day team in Pakistan and you won’t get the smile off this face, that’s for sure,” he added.
Pakistan take on Australia in the three-match Twenty20 series, which begins in Dubai today.u00a0
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