Champions Trophy is crucial for me, says Clarke by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	MJ Clarke
Event:	ICC Champions Trophy 2006/07

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DateLine: 30th August 2006

 

Australia’s Michael Clarke says getting runs in October’s ICC Champions’ Trophy in India is crucial to his chances of playing in the Ashes series later this year.

 

The 25-year-old right-hander exploded on to the Test cricket stage with a century on his debut in India followed by a hundred in his first home Test against New Zealand two years ago.

 

“I must build an undeniable case for selectors to choose me in the first Test team,” he said. “For me, the Kuala Lumpur tournament and the tour to India are crucial. They're very major tournaments for me because if I don't perform there then I will have no case to put forward to be selected for the Ashes," Clarke said at the Australian team camp in Queensland. “I will have to try to get some runs in this one-day series then I will have a case to take to the selectors and say 'I've got runs on the board, pick me for the first Test'.”

 

Australia take on England in the first of five Tests at Brisbane's Gabba ground on November 23.