Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 content with first days play – Cricket News Update
Australian skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757.
The visitors were kept under considerable pressure by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DW-Steyn-c1409 and co; however, it was the Aussie captain who stole the headline with a defiant unbeaten knock of a century.
This held the match in the balance and the skipper appeared to be satisfied with the work, but admitted that he would have wanted more on the board.
“After being sent in I would have liked 300, but the wicket changed. When the sun was out the wicket was better to bat on, when it was overcast there was a little bit of swing and seam all day. It was pretty similar to English conditions today. If we can
scratch 250 plus we have done a pretty good job," said Clarke.
After losing the toss, the Kangaroos start was appalling with openers http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SE-Marsh-c2470 and Clarke to share an important 4th wicket partnership of
103.
However, with Steyn firing on all cylinders, he caught http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Simon-James-Marshall-c90362 lbw for 44, which left the visitors in a bit of trouble. The late order could not provide Clarke a helping hand, but he remained bold, attacking all the bowlers with ease and ended the day on 107
not out.
His strike rate was prolific, going at over 90, while scored 17 boundaries all over the park. The pitch seemed to offer bounce and pace, especially after rain had spoiled the start of the first session.
A bit of moisture and zip was ably extracted by the Proteas bowling contingent, helping their team with breakthroughs at regular interval. Clarke, however, expects that his bowlers will get the same kind of assistance provided the conditions do not change.
"It is going to be tough to start your batting on while it is overcast. We have got to hit the right areas with the ball and hang on to our catches and I am not too disappointed with how we've gone," added Clarke.
Tags: