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July 9th, 2013 
Peter Nolan
Updated
Australian captain Michael Clarke has played mind games ahead of the first Ashes Test, saying he knows the starting XI but will not reveal it until before the start of the match.
In the last press conference before the Ashes series begins at Trent Bridge on Wednesday night (AEST), Clarke said he was “100 per cent fit” and ready to go against England.
But when asked about Australia’s lineup, Clarke turned cagey.
“I do know the 11, at this stage we’re not going to name the team until the toss tomorrow,” he said.
“You can call it a tactic, or foxing, (but) it’s just the way we’re doing things.
“To me the important people who need to know, do (know) and that’s the players, so they can prepare.
“For everyone else, one more sleep’s not going to hurt anybody, I would have thought.”
Clarke has missed most of the leadup to the Ashes because of a flare up of his back problem, but he denied that his lack of match practice raised the pressure on his team mates.
“I’m 100 per cent fit, yes I have to deal with my back every day of my life but I have come through the tour games fine so far,” he said.
“It’s about time I scored some more runs for Australia … the other guys will be fine.
“I’m focused on my job, I’m really confident in the other guys.”
Clarke said that if Warner was selected he was confident the attacking batsman would be able to deliver runs.
He described the wicket as very dry, and said he was confident that reverse swing and spin would play a big part in the Test as the match went on.
The Australian captain said he was “surprised” and “glad” that batsman Nick Compton would be an absentee for England for the series opener at Trent Bridge.
“Nick has showed he’s got a lot of class, I’m surprised he’s not in the first Test for England,” he said.
Compton has been replaced in the side by Joe Root.
Cook admits English filled with nerves and excitement
England captain Alistair Cook said his team was filled with nerves and excitement with a day to go.
“Everyone’s desperately excited to be here today,” he said.
“It’s been such a big build up to (the game).
“We have to remind ourselves why we’re so lucky to get to play an Ashes series.
“That’s why we play sport in the first place.”
Cook said England was happy as a team to go in as favourites, but said the players were not dwelling on that favouritism.
“We’re well aware that cricket is not played on paper, and never will be played on paper,” he said.
“We’re -pretty happy with the composition of our side, we’ve got a very strong squad to choose from.”
The opening day’s play will start at 8pm (AEST) on Wednesday.
Topics:
sport,
cricket,
ashes,
australia,
united-kingdom,
england
First posted
Source Article from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-09/clarke-keeps-them-guessing-ahead-of-ashes-opener/4810110
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