A clearly annoyed Aussie skipper declared as “unacceptable” Australia’s top-order batting in all four innings from the first two Tests of the four-match series.
A frank Clarke declared Australia was “completely outplayed” in all facets of the game to lose before lunch on the fourth day by an innings and 135 runs.
He then ordered all touring party members to full training with “no rest” before the Third Test in Mombai starting in 10 days.
“You don’t get better sitting on the couch,” a dejected Clarke said immediately after India bundled Australia out for just 131 on the back of the tourists 237 first innings before the home nation replied with an imposing 503.
Top-order left-hander Phil Hughes is tipped to be under severe scrutiny to hold his spot against the venomous India spin attack with his series scores of 6, 0, 19 and 0 for an average of just 6.25.
The home outfit laid foundation to Australia’s thumping with a record 370-run second-wicket stand between double century-maker Cheteshwar Pujara (204), who was man-of-the-match and opener Murali Vijay with his 167.
“India deserved a lot of credit," Clarke continued.
"They’ve outplayed us in all facets of the game throughout this Test match.
“The partnership the two Indian players put on in the first innings was fantastic and I think we need to learn from that.
“There’s no doubt we have a lot of work to do as a team in all three facets of the game.
“There certainly will be no stone left unturned leading up to this third Test match.”
Clarke took an especially direct shot at his failing top-order batsmen.
The Aussies were a struggling 4-63 after importantly winning the crucial toss for a second successive Test only to relinquish potential advantage at batting first.
Australia also released crucial edge in the First Test at Chennai after winning the toss on an especially dry and dusty strip to be 2-72 and then 4-131.
Clarke led brave rescue missions in each first innings outing with 130 at Chennai and then 91 in the first innings at Hyderabad.
“I think our batters have to take a lot of the responsibility,” Clarke said without hesitation.
“We haven’t scored enough runs in our first innings in both Test matches and that’s unacceptable in the best of batting conditions.
“There will certainly be no break in between.
“There will be nothing but hard work.
“You don’t get better sitting on the couch, that’s for sure.
“We’ll be preparing as well as we can.
“We know we need to improve and we’ve got time now to do that. We’re very fortunate there.”
Clarke again fired a broadside at his top-order batting specialists with a lack of innings saving partnerships.
“It’s partnerships and India have shown that, with both bat and ball throughout the first two Test matches,” said the skipper.
“When they have had momentum, they have grabbed hold of it and run with it for as long as they possibly could. Hence the 300-run partnership.
“We haven’t done that. We’ve had guys get in and not make big scores and that’s unacceptable in these conditions.”