Michael Clarke believes he has a good team despite consecutive Test match defeats in India. Robert Cianflone / Getty Images
Michael Clarke believes he has a good team despite consecutive Test match defeats in India. Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

Australia captain Michael Clarke expects more hard work after Test defeat to India



Michael Clarke, the Australia captain, conceded his side were outplayed by India as they slumped to a comprehensive innings defeat in the second Test, but pledged "no stone will be left unturned" as they look to get back into the series.

Australia were bowled out for just 131 on the fourth morning in Hyderabad yesterday to lose by an innings and 135 runs and go 2-0 down in the four-match series.

The defeat means Australia become the first side in Test history to suffer an innings defeat having declared in their first innings, and Clarke said they could have few complaints about the result.

"I think India deserve a lot of credit, they outplayed us in all facets of the game in this Test match," he said.

After declaring their first innings on 237 for nine on the first day, Australia then saw India run up a mammoth 503 in reply with Murali Vijay (167) and Cheteshwar Pujara (204) putting on 370 for the second wicket.

Clarke wants his batsmen to take lessons from that stand, with only three Australians getting beyond 30 in the entire Test.

"I thought the partnership the two Indian players put on in the first innings was fantastic and I think we need to learn from that," said Clarke, who top scored for his side with 91 on the first day.

"I think our batters have to take responsibility, we haven't scored enough runs in our first innings in both our Test matches and that's unacceptable in the best of batting conditions."

Australia have time to regroup following the loss with the third Test in Mohali not starting until March 14, and Clarke has promised his side will make full use of the time. "There will certainly be no break in between, there'll be nothing but hard work. You don't get better sitting on the couch that's for sure.

"There will certainly be no stone left unturned leading up to the third Test match."

Man of the match Pujara and Vijay will take most of the plaudits for their performances in the Test, but the India captain MS Dhoni was keen to share the praise around, both among his team and the coaching and back room staff.

"I think I've got a very good side, I've always said that," he said.

"I think it's a collective effort and credit goes to each and every individual."

Dhoni was also keen to hail the performance of his bowling attack, which saw the seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar set the tone with three important wickets on the first day and Ravichandran Ashwin finish things off with five for 63 in Australia's second innings.

Ravindra Jadeja, like fellow slow bowler Ashwin, also finished with six wickets in the match after taking three for 33 in both innings.

"I think it was a very good bowling performance," Dhoni said.

"I think it was important to get off to a good start and I think Bhuvneshwar provided the kind of start that was really needed.

"Wickets like these you don't expect the fast bowlers to take a lot of wickets but I think the bowling then was crucial and after that the spinners did the job for us."

* Press Association

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