Clarke hails batting effort

Perth, March 4 (IANS) Australian captain Michael Clarke on Wednesday hailed his batsmen for their efforts as they posted the highest One-Day International score -- 417 -- in a World Cup match against Afghanistan.

Sent in to bat in a Pool A contest at the WACA, Australia registered a mammoth total of 417 for six from their 50 overs as David Warner (178), Glen Maxwell (88) and Steven Smith (95) clobbered the opposition bowlers all around the ground.

In reply, Afghanistan managed to score only 142, giving Australia their highest win while batting first in ODIs -- 275 runs.

"Very good win, outstanding performance with the bat. David Warner was exceptional. Steve Smith beautiful and Glenn Maxwell fantastic," Clarke said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The 33-year-old also said it was great having all-rounder James Faulkner in the side after recovering from side strain.

"Good to see James (Faulkner) back. His bowling was outstanding. He will be there for the game against Sri Lanka," he said.

The skipper added it will be the selectors who decide the 11 players who will be fielded on Sunday against Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"We will see what is the best 11 for Sri Lanka. That's the good thing about our selectors, they are selecting the team based on the conditions and the opposition. Whatever 11 they give me on Sunday, I will try to get the best out of them," concluded Clarke.

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