The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : ‘India will be whitewashed’

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Saturday, Oct 27, 2007
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‘India will be whitewashed’

Sydney: Seamer Stuart Clark has predicted that Australia would blank India 4-0 in the upcoming Test series.

The lanky fast-medium bowler thus carried on the tradition of the great Glenn McGrath who had a habit of making such pre-series predictions.

Clark said Australia would win all the six home Tests to be played this summer, including the two against Sri Lanka.

“It’s going to be a great summer with Sri Lanka and India coming out,” Clark said at the series launch here.

“And hopefully, the fans can come out and support us, and we can bring home 4-0 and 2-0 series wins.”

When quizzed further on the prospect of a series whitewash against both India and Sri Lanka, Clark said: “I have just predicted 4-0 and 2-0.”

Stunning predictions

McGrath, who retired after Australia’s World Cup triumph in the West Indies earlier this year, used to make such stunning pre-series predictions in his long career.

To the delight of fans, he would also declare who was his “bunny” each series and, more often than not, take their wicket at least once.

Clark, however, would not single out a bunny, declaring he would target them all.

“Glenn always targeted a batsman but I think I would hold off on that one at this stage of my career,” Clark said.

“Any time you play against these guys (India and Sri Lanka) it is going to be a tremendous challenge. I am just going to target them all. Hopefully, I can get them all out.”

Successor

Clark is considered McGrath’s successor. He prides on his line and length, and uses his height to trouble the batsmen. The New South Wales bowler, however, said he wanted to carve his own niche in international cricket.

“You always want to be your own man but we do similar things in the game,” Clark said. “I’ll just be out there doing my best.” — PTI

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