Bracken: We are better prepared
Left-arm paceman Nathan Bracken believes Australia is much better prepared for next month's ICC World Twenty20 than it was for the corresponding tournament two years ago.
Australia suffered a shock five-wicket loss to Zimbabwe in the opening game of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007, before being eliminated by eventual winners India by 15 runs in the semi-final stage of the competition after failing to chase down an imposing target of 188.
But the Australian team has played a host of Twenty20 matches since that disappointing night in South Africa two years ago and Bracken thinks his side will be ready to go when they face the West Indies in their opening game of the tournament at The Oval in London on June 6.
"The big thing we learnt (from the last ICC World Twenty20) is how quickly the game can change," Bracken told cricket.com.au after learning about his inclusion in the squad for next month's tournament.
"From the last tournament we learnt that if you don't get it right any team can beat you and unfortunately we found that out the hard way with a loss to Zimbabwe to start off with."
"Hopefully that doesn't happen this time and we can just go out there, play some good cricket and make sure we really put the pressure on."
There is sure to be plenty of competition for spots in the team for the ICC World Twenty20 and many players will get the chance to perform on Thursday when Australia faces Pakistan in a one-off Twenty20 clash in Dubai.
Australia just completed a 3-2 victory in a closely fought five-game one-day series against Pakistan and Bracken is expecting another hard struggle in the Twenty20 clash on Thursday.
"It is going to be a tough game and we have got to make sure we get it right," he said.
"I know it is already being compared to a warm up for the ICC World Twenty20 so for us it is about getting out there, playing some good cricket, making sure we do what we need to do and try and leave here on a winning note."
Bracken, who played in four of the five one-day games against Pakistan, will line-up for Australia in the Twenty20 match on Thursday, before heading to South Africa to play for the Bangalore Royal Challengers in the IPL.
The New South Welshman will then be on a plane to England for the ICC World Twenty20, but the 31-year-old said his body is holding up well despite the amount of cricket he is playing.
"I am still alive and kicking," Bracken said.
"The cricket does get a bit draining, but a lot of the fatigue is about being away from home."
"We have got plenty of medical staff and fitness staff that make sure you back up and the body stays in good nick. It is just the emotional strain of being away from family."
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