Top 5 Greatest Test innings of Michael Clarke - A true champion

Top 5 Greatest Test innings of Michael Clarke – A true champion: Michael Clarke has been the face of steep solidity, class and exuberance whenever he has donned the Baggy Green for his country. An aggressive captain, Clarke belongs to the breed of Australian players who carry never say die attitude on the field and give fight to the hilt. From Bangalore to Brisbane or from Chennai to Cape Town, Michael Clarke proved his extravagant talents with the willow in hand whenever his team was reeling. The 34 years old batsman emerged as one of the greatest Australian batters to have played the game and graced his nation by carrying forward the rich and glorious traditions of the Australian cricket. Clarke has decided to hang up his boots after the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Kia Oval which will start from 20th August. On the eve of his last Test match, we list the Top 5 Greatest Test innings of Michael Clarke – A true champion: 1. 161* v South Africa, Cape Town, 2014: Coming into the match both the teams were tied at the score line of 1-1 in the 3-match Test series. The unpredictable Morne Morkel was in middle of a ferocious spell in which he had launched barrel of bouncers on the Australian skipper who was playing with a dodgy back. Clarke was aching in pain but like a true warrior he took the pain on the anatomy. Even the steep physical pain of a fractured shoulder couldn’t break his determination. He played a gritty knock of 161 runs which personified his resilient character and laid the platform for a famous Aussie series victory against the Proteas in their den. Watch: Michael Clarke’s 161* v South Africa, Cape Town, 2014: https://youtu.be/AgtwZi8Oteo 2. 329* v India, SCG, 2012: The Aussie team was reeling at 37-3 and the Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan was run in hard, bowling an inspiring spell. But before India could sniff any chances of a comeback in the match, Michael Clarke put up a stellar performance to inflict a big damage psychologically on the Indian team. He hammered an unbeaten knock of 329 runs at a strike rate of 70 with 40 glorious boundaries. Those who witnessed the knock regard it as one of the most iconic knocks in the history of Australian cricket. In the innings he played his trademark elegant drives while he was severe on spinners as he danced down the track every now and then to make their life miserable on the 22 yards. Watch: Michael Clarke’s 329* v India, SCG, 2012: 3. 259* v South Africa, Gabba, 2012: 2012 was Michael Clarke’s year as his invincibility as a batter reached new highs. After South Africa had amassed 450 runs in the 1st innings, the hosts were struggling at 40-3. But then came Captain courageous on the crease. Clarke played a heck of a knock and unruffled the so-called World’s no.1 bowling attack with his magnificent repertoire of strokes. From his classical cover drives to his commanding straight drives everything turned into a treat to watch. Clarke hammered 259 runs at a strike rate of 65 which included 26 fours. In the year 2012, he had accumulated 4 double-centuries. Watch: Michael Clarke’s 259* v South Africa, Gabba, 2012: https://youtu.be/nh7eUDHCArs 4. 151 v India, Bangalore, 2004: The litmus test of a non-Asian player is when he comes to the alien sub-continent conditions as he is welcomed here with rank turners and the hot weather conditions. The 23-year-old Clarke was making his debut and was facing the ardent task of starting his career against the Indian spin-duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. But Clarke proved his mettle as he played a brilliant knock of 151 runs. The way he used his feet and came down the track was a testimony of a player who was going to dominate the spinners throughout his career and he didn’t disappoint as well. Watch: Michael Clarke’s 151 v India, Bangalore, 2004: 5. 128 v India, Adelaide Oval, 2014: (Photo Source: Getty Images) This was perhaps his toughest vigil at the crease emotionally for Clarke as after the death of the Australian cricketer Philip Hughes, the whole nation was gripped by sadness. For Clarke, Hughes was much more than a teammate as he considered him as his younger brother which was evident many a time as he had broken down in tears after the demise of Hughes several times. When he was at 60, sharp pain in his back was a career threatening one. But Clarke displayed tremendous courage and crossed the three figure mark which was tribute to late Hughes. After completing his century the overriding emotions on his face while gazing towards the heaven said much more than words can say about him.

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Top 5 Greatest Test innings of Michael Clarke - A true champion

**3. 259* v South Africa, Gabba, 2012:**

**Watch: Michael Clarke’s 259* v South Africa, Gabba, 2012:**

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