Michael Clarke 329*

Advantage Australia as Clarke's triple ton puts hosts in box seat

AS he was belting India around the SCG today, reaching a new milestone almost with every forceful push or thrash of his blade, Michael Clarke appeared to be showing little respect for the Indian bowlers in a Test match. But ultimately, as he cut his innings short prematurely, he showed much respect for the milestone just a thwack over the ropes away.
Clarke declared when he was just five runs short of the highest Test score by an Australian captain, the 334 not out by Mark Taylor against Pakistan in Peshawar in 1998-99. Taylor had declared himself, not wanting to place himself ahead of the Australia's greatest cricketer Don Bradman.

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Australia's greatest cricketer Don Bradman.

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Michael Clarke is seven runs shy of his first triple century in Test cricket at the lunch break. Photo: Brendan Esposito

It was clear that Clarke, on this occasion, did not want to place himself ahead of his team. And thus today he still sits behind both Taylor and Bradman, content with what he had managed to do until then.
And his team will thank him. Paceman Ben Hilfenhaus's two wickets have put the foot down on India's throat, although they are still to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar, who is chasing his own milestone of 100 international centuries. Surely, India will need the Little Master to finally reach his ton of tons in order for the Australians to bat again.
Tendulkar (8*) and Gautam Gambhir (68*) will begin the fourth day with India at 2-114, still 354 runs short of making Australia bat again. Gambhir had a late scare today, being dropped by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, on 66, in the penultimate over off the bowling of James Pattinson.

Michael Hussey is third Australian to score a century this innings. Photo: Brendan Esposito

It meant Australia's day would end on a poor note, but there were so few of them it is unlikely to trouble them for long. That Clarke would harpoon so many records during the Sydney Cricket Ground's 100th Test match is fitting. But it is rather unexpected, considering the only milestone being spoken of in the build-up to this match was Tendulkar's.
But today was Clarke's day, as he and Mike Hussey (150 not out) punished a limp Indian attack.
It was unclear whether Clarke deliberately declared his innings short of the milestones. He and Hussey - who became the third centurion of the innings - left the field at the drinks break in the middle session, after the pair had put on 334.

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