Clarke hails opening duo

Skipper revels in India mauling

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 7th May 2010  

Clarke hails opening duo

Watson & Warner: Destructive duo

They are two wonderful players and I am blessed to have them on my team.

Michael Clarke
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Australia captain Michael Clarke labelled his side's opening partnership of David Warner and Shane Watson the "best in the world" after they helped crush India by 49 runs in their Super Eights showdown.

The dynamic duo plundered 13 sixes between them during an exhilarating 104-run first-wicket stand off just 65 balls in Barbados.

The explosive start set the foundations for a dominant victory in the ICC World Twenty20 as India fell well short in their pursuit of 184-5.

"I believe we have the best two openers in Twenty20 cricket in the world at the moment," a delighted Clarke said afterwards.

"I think they bat fantastically together, left-hand, right-hand combination, both very aggressive but if they need to take their time they don't seem distressed too much.

"They are two wonderful players and I am blessed to have them on my team.

All-rounder Watson, the second highest run-scorer in the tournament, cracked 54 off 32 balls and left-hander Warner kicked on to make 72 from 42.

IPL influence

Australia's pace bowlers, spearheaded by Dirk Nannes (3-25) and Shaun Tait (3-21), then ripped through the India top-order to ensure they were never in the chase.

"If we continue to make totals like that, with our bowling and the way we are fielding, it is going to be hard for opposition teams to beat us," said Clarke. "I think the growth of T20 cricket has helped every country.

"The IPL (Indian Premier League) has played a big part, guys are now learning more and more about how to play this game and how to be successful.

"I think you are probably learning as you go. I am certainly learning as I go as captain in this form of the game but having a squad like this certainly makes my job easier."