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Rediff.com  » Sports » Clarke happy with debut knock

Clarke happy with debut knock

October 06, 2004 21:03 IST
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Australia's Michael Clarke was a contented man after scoring an unbeaten 76 to lift his team on the opening day of the first Test against India on Wednesday.

Australia were struggling on 149 for four when Clarke came to the crease in the afternoon session but he helped his team recover to 316 for five at the close.

The 23-year-old credited his success on a dry, spin-friendly pitch in Bangalore to the experience he had gained in One-Day Internationals.

"One-day cricket has been very good to me," he told reporters. "It played a big part in my success here."

Clarke scored 208 runs over four one-day international innings against West Indies last year before being dismissed.

He also made 44 not out to guide Australia to victory in a one-day tri-series final in Kolkata and his limited-overs form played a major part in his selection for the India tour.

Clarke, who has hit 11 fours and two sixes, admitted he had felt nervous.

"I was very nervous when I went in; it took me four-five overs to relax," he said. "Obviously getting the first run helped, but spending time out in the middle was more important."

He shared a 107-run fifth-wicket stand with top-scorer Simon Katich (81) and was proud of his efforts after being handed the famous baggy green cap before the match by Australia's champion leg-spinner Shane Warne.

"Katich played really well, he deserved a hundred," Clarke said. "It was unfortunate he could not get it."

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Source: REUTERS
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