ABU DHABI: A dejected Australian captain Michael Clarke on Monday while acknowledging that his team was outplayed by Pakistan in the Test series, admitted that his charges had not learned their lesson against spin.

“I think Misbah-ul-Haq and his team played some outstanding cricket in both Tests and we’ve certainly been outplayed,” Clarke said at the presentation ceremony.

MICHAEL Clarke seen during the second Test.—AFP

“In all three facets — batting, bowling and fielding — we probably let ourselves down. We were not good enough against the very good and experienced Pakistan team.”

Also read: Pakistan break 20-year jinx, beat Australia by 356 runs

Clarke said he had hoped lessons would have been learnt after their 4-0 rout in India early last year.

“We have got to talk about what’s just happened,” said Clarke after the defeat in Abu Dhabi.

“We were hopeful that we learnt some lessons from out trip to India but it doesn’t look that way. Your goal has to be to try and become better.”

Clarke admitted his players need a big improvement against spinners.

“We need to try and look to improve the next time we play in the subcontinent. There’s no doubt the players will be happy to go home and play in conditions we are accustomed to,” said Clarke, whose team now play South Africa and India next at home.

Clarke said he was angry with himself for not scoring runs.

“I am probably most angry with myself,” said Clarke who managed just 57 in four innings with a best of 47.

“I am most disappointed with my personal performance to be honest. I have always prided myself on leading by example and in the series that we have lost since I have been captain I have been able at least to stand up and lead from the front where in this series I haven’t done that.

“I don’t have any excuse or reason for it. I feel like I have been working as hard as I can be on my game.”

Published in Dawn, November 4th , 2014