Michael Clarke: NZ loss turning point
AUSTRALIA captain Michael Clarke insists fellow co-hosts New Zealand will only have themselves to blame should they lose Sunday’s World Cup final in Melbourne after inadvertently unlocking his side’s winning mentality.
Darren Lehmann’s outfit reached the final courtesy of a 95-run victory over defending champions India in Sydney yesterday. The Black Caps consigned Australia to defeat in the pool stages, a loss which Clarke believes inspired his side’s tilt at a fifth World Cup success.
Clarke said: “I think that was a bit of a turning point this tournament for the Australia team. Losing to New Zealand gave us that kick up the backside.”