The Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke says losing to New Zealand in the World Cup pool stage was the kick up the backside they needed.
Australian cricket captain, Michael Clarke. Photo: AFP
He says the subsequent improvement was on show in their semi-final victory over India in Sydney last night.
Australia dominated their opponents to win by 95 runs and set up another clash with the Black Caps in the final on Sunday, the only team they've lost to at the tournament.
New Zealand scored a one-wicket win at Eden Park in a low-scoring game.
Although Clarke and his fellow batsmen were embarrassed by New Zealand's pace attack in Auckland, he thinks they might not have got through to the final had it not happened.
"I believe that was the turning point in this tournament for the Australian team - it gave us a bit of a kick up the backside," he says.
"We got a good look at a good team playing at the very top of their game. I think out attitude from that day has been exceptional."
"We've grabbed momentum and we've tried to run with it... I think that will hold us in very good stead for Sunday."
Australia will be chasing their fifth World Cup title in Melbourne on Sunday, while New Zealand are hoping to win their first.
