Well, what a hundred it was from Michael Clarke! It had all
the ingredients of a champion and of course, such sort of hundreds are so rare
these days. At present, we witness batsmen only to score hundreds only on placid tracks rather than the
pace-bowling friendlier ones. In my opinion, scoring hundreds on batting
friendly pitches is too dull and less-manly. Come on mate, be man! Just go out
there, face the chin music, feel the heat and then, score a hundred.
Surely, Michael Clarke was the man in Cape Town on the first
day. The track was hostile for the batters and the attack was venomous. It
demanded enough character from a batsman and Clarke proved his worth not only as
a batsman, but the perfect choice as the Australian skipper.
Australia were reeling at 40 for 3 when Clarke entered into
the scene. Immediately, his mental-strength was tested by a red-hot Dale Steyn.
Clarke decided to take on the attack to Steyn and co and went for a
counter-attack. On such a testing pitch, it’s not an easy task to have a go at
bowlers like Steyn and Morkel; but Clarke was not to care about reputations
like Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor. He was in mood to dominate the
proceedings and he did it in a commanding manner.
He saw his partners depart cheaply, but still he continued
to play with impunity. There was no fear of the situation. His stroke-play and
astute footwork was a matter of joy for me. The drives were powerful but that
had an element of crisp timing and his footwork was simply immaculate. The
Australian captain could not do anything wrong on that day. It was a hundred to
remember for cricket fans like who relishes those who are hard nut to crack.
Way to go Michael Clarke! You made my day!
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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