Australia deny Prime Minister's XI suggestion from Michael Clarke

Cricket Australia has shut down suggestions from Test legend Michael Clarke to send struggling batters back to feature in the Prime Minister's XI fixture.

After a horror performance in Perth, pressure is mounting on the top-order to turn things around in time for the second game of the series against India next week.

The likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith struggled against the tourists, leading to calls for the pair to play against India A in the coming days at Manuka Oval.

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Speaking on Sky Sports Radio's The Big Sports Breakfast in the wake of the defeat, Clarke - who is one of the best Aussie batters of the modern era - gave some advice to the selectors and players about getting back out in the middle before returning to Adelaide Oval on December 6.

Michael Clarke. Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

"As a player when you're under the pump, and you're not making runs, the risk is there," Clarke saidThe Big Sports Breakfast.

"You go play club cricket, you could get a good ball and you can nick it ... but if the selectors are sticking with the same XI – if I'm out of form as a batter, I'm batting.

"I don't care how big that risk is. Give me some time in the middle because I want to make runs in the next Test, not be scared to fail in the lead-up.

"That is definitely a realistic option because you know you're going to get a bat. I'd be taking it before the second Test."

However, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, officials won't send players back to the PM's XI team in between Tests.

Steve Smith walks off after his dismissal in Perth. Getty

The report suggests that time at home in between matches and the idea not to give the Indian squad another look at any potential deficiencies were behind the decision.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he has full faith in the squad selected.

"The PM's XI match is a great opportunity for up-and-coming players to play alongside some older heads against a super-strong Indian side," he told the Herald.

"I'm confident Jack Edwards' PM's XI team will show how to best play these incredibly impressive Indian bowlers, and I'm equally confident that Pat Cummins' Australian team will turn things around in Adelaide."

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