Clarke backs all-rounder Smith will perform in ODIs

Melbourne, Feb.18 (ANI): Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke has said that leg-spinning all-rounder Steve Smith's selection in the national one-day squad is a welcome development, and added that Smith should see his inclusion as an opportunity to make himself a permanent selection.

Smith has come into the national one-day squad for Friday night's final game against West Indies at the MCG.

"It's a great opportunity for him, he bowled really well in the last Twenty20 match, he's been playing some great cricket for NSW and I know he's as keen as mustard to get out there on Friday," Fox Sports quoted Clarke, as saying of Smith.

"He'll be fine, he'll certainly be fine, he's a wonderful player with bat and ball and I hope he gets that opportunity to express himself on Friday night. He has a lot of talent and he's obviously biding his time with Nathan Hauritz doing so well," Clarke added.

Clarke said the unbeaten Australians did not want to give the West Indies any respite.

"We're all very keen to get out there and clean-sweep the West Indies, but there are also plenty of guys fighting for spots for what we've got coming up as well," he said.

Clarke also said that it is time that Twenty20 matches receive some recognition in the Allan Border Medal voting.(ANI)