Cricket: Confidence in 50-over game

Stand-in Australia captain Michael Clarke believes England's decision to abolish domestic 50-over cricket could affect their one-day international performances.

The England and Wales Cricket board last week announced counties would retain 40-over games, but Clarke remains confident the 50-over format will survive in Australia and internationally, with Twenty20 and tests.

Of England's decision he said: "They've obviously got reasons ... They've got so much cricket on they probably thought that was the one for them to get rid of, but I'm certain it will stay at the international level.

"That's probably my only worry, is how it will affect England playing one-day cricket at international level."

Clarke was preparing to lead Australia in two Twenty20 matches and the first three of seven one-day internationals against England. Captain Ricky Ponting will return for the last four one-dayers after a break following his team's Ashes defeat.

Clarke said Australia's first goal was to start turning around their disappointing Twenty20 record ahead of next year's world championship.

"Right now we're in a position where we're giving some new guys an opportunity," he said. "We feel we haven't performed as well as we'd like in Twenty20 cricket in general and this is a good chance to build up some momentum and get some form."

Clarke said Cricket Australia's decision to fly Twenty20 specialists like Dirk Nannes and David Hussey to England for two Twenty20 games showed a commitment to improving the team's performances in the game's newest form.

Having played as allies for Victoria and now Australia, Hussey and Nannes will be foes in the opening match of the Champions League Twenty20 competition in October.

The Bushrangers take on Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise the Delhi Daredevils, who have secured Nannes' services, in the opening match of the tournament, which brings together teams from India, Australia, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the West Indies.

- AAP