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Clarke: Sledge warning

Andrew Symonds - if somebody says something to him - that gees him up, it makes him play better.

Michael Clarke
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Australia batsman Michael Clarke warned India's players that trying launch a verbal attack during their upcoming Test series would be a huge mistake.

India face the Aussies in Melbourne on Boxing Day and the tourists have already promised to push the world's best Test team all the way in their own backyard.

After a series victory over Pakistan, India are flying and could prove to be a real challenge for Australia.

However, Clarke warned that trying to match the masters of sledging at their own game would backfire, and only spur the home side on.

"I don't think verbal aggression will affect any player in the Australian team," said Clarke.

"We've all copped it before and I believe you would've seen in the one-dayers in India, when they (the Indians) showed verbal aggression to the Australian players, they (the Australians) reacted pretty well.

"Guys love that, they sweat on that. Andrew Symonds - if somebody says something to him - that gees him up, it makes him play better.

"I think there are a lot of guys like that, as Steve Waugh was when he played."

India form

Clarke made a stunning century on his debut against India, and averages over 57 with the bat against his next opponents, although he has not faced them at home.

"Definitely thoughts come back into my mind as to how I was successful, or how I have been successful against India, and without doubt it's been because of my preparation," he said.

"I have made sure I have done the work, I have looked at the bowlers I was going to face, I have assessed the conditions and played the way I love playing - aggressive and positive.

"It's going to be different. I haven't played India in a Test series in Australia, so that's obviously been different for me.

"They're playing well, they are full of confidence so I am going to have to make sure I have done all my homework to be ready to go when I walk out there on the ground."