Aussie coach praises Michael Clarke’s bold declaration against the Windies

Australia’s head coach, Mickey Arthur, has lauded skipper Michael Clarke for making a “brave” declaration after the Aussies’ second innings in the first Test of the ongoing Frank-Worrell Trophy against the West Indies, which was recently wrapped up at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on April 11.

“I thought it was a great idea and I sort of just backed him on it. I think it was great,” said Arthur. “Michael needs to take all the plaudits for that because it was a brave decision that worked out for us.”

Australia went into their tour of the West Indies on a high, after winning the Commonwealth Bank series at home. However, they found their hosts equal to the challenge, and the limited-overs leg of the tour culminated in draws, during both the ODIs and T20s.

Both teams went into the Test series with an agenda – the Windies were looking to improve on their recent return to form, while the Aussies were eyeing both a series win away from home, and a boost in ICC Test team rankings.

The first Test kicked off on April 7, and home team retained an upper-hand throughout the first three days of play. Having won the toss and chosen to bat first, they racked up a formidable 449 in their first innings, and the Aussie bowlers were powerless to restrain the rampaging Caribbean batsmen, particularly Kirk Edwards (61) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (103).

However, the bowlers came back with a bang on the 4th day, with stunning displays with the bat from pacers Ryan Harris (68) and Ben Hilfenhaus (24), as well as spinner Nathan Lyon (40). Their combined efforts produced 156 runs, and propelled their side to 406 – a position at which Clarke made the bold move to declare the innings, despite the fact that the Aussies still trailed by 43 runs.

However, the risk paid off as the tourists went on to demolish the Windies’ batsmen in their second innings, with Hilfenhaus picking up 4 wickets, while Harris claimed 3 scalps. Chasing a target of 192 in their last innings, Clarke’s men reached the total in 47 overs, securing a 3 wicket win in the first Test.

Marking the first time the Australian team had won after declaring while trailing, Clarke’s judgment was lauded by Arthur.

“Tactically he is very, very good. He's very, very positive, a very, very aggressive captain and that's something I really enjoy and something I really like,” the head coach claimed. “He has the ability to always look for the win. The glass is always half full with Michael and that's a great trait to have.”