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The fiercest rivalry in cricket’s history is witnessed when England face Australia in the Ashes. Warriors from both nations vie for national honour and pride as they bring their A game to the show. Players who have been able to conquer the Ashes have received widespread fame and have become legends for their countrymen.
One such man who has been a stand out performer for Australia has been Michael Clarke. Making his debut in the 2005 Ashes series, Clarke had a tough time in that series and was unable to perform at an optimum level, which led to his dropping from the Australian team.
But he did come back with a bang in the 2006 series and scored two hundreds, and ended up with 389 runs at a tremendous average of 77.80. His comeback exhibited his hunger to succeed for Australia at the highest level and laid the platform for him to become a future captain.
Clarke exhibited good technique in the seaming conditions of England, and as expected has been able to score freely in Australia as well. He has an enviable record in the Ashes, of having scored 1684 runs in 23 matches at an average of 48.11, with five centuries to his name.
Lets take a look at some of Michael Clarke’s best innings in the Ashes.
5. Ashes 2009, 3rd Test Match, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Michael Clarke (R) hits the ball at England fielder Alastair Cook (L) on the fifth day of the third Ashes cricket test
Having won the previous Test at Lord’s, the English were doing everything in their power to regain the Ashes. The previous series had been an absolute humiliation as Australia hammered them 5-0. Without the likes of McGrath, Warne and Gilchrist, it was time for the English to stand up and dominate.
The English had achieved a lead of over a hundred runs and were looking to create some panic in the opposition ranks. Walking in at 137/3, Michael Clarke was able to produce an innings of calm and responsibility which took his side to safety. Scoring the only century of the match – 103 of 192 balls – as he ensured that the match was drawn, and Australia stayed alive to fight again.
4. Ashes 2006, 3rd Test Match, Perth, Australia
Known as the fastest pitch in the world, Perth has always been a fast bowler’s paradise. A young Michael Clarke had a serious challenge at hand, especially against the raging Steven Harmison, who had torn through the Aussie batting line up in the first innings. Both sides were evenly placed in the game with Australia just having a slender lead of 29 runs.
Clarke scored 135 of 164 balls, smashing the hapless English bowlers all around the ground, while remaining unbeaten. This was the start of his famed batting partnership with Michael Hussey, and the two of them went on to have innumerable match-winning innings together in the middle. Australia won this Test by a resounding 206 runs to go 3-0 up in the series.
3. Ashes 2009 – 2nd Test Match, Lord’s, London
The English were reinvigorated, and were ready to attack. With the emergence of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, and not to mention a certain Andrew Flintoff, the English side was surely going to test the Australians.
After scoring 425 in the first innings, the English were able to skittle the Australians out for a paltry 215. They batted well again in the second essay to leave the Aussies with a target of 522 to win with two days left in the Test match.
Showing why he was going to be a leader in the future, Clarke stood up and defied the English attack for the entire fourth day. The Australians did lose on the final day, but Clarke had just shown what the Aussie spirit was all about, and perished for 136 in this losing cause.
Once again, he was the only batsmen from the Aussie side to get into three figures.
2. Ashes 2006, 2nd Test Match, Adelaide Oval, Australia
Shane Watson had been injured, paving the way for Michael Clarke’s return to the team. The demons of not having done well in the previous Ashes had to be conquered.
The English had put up a mammoth 551 runs in the first innings. It needed a typical Australian response, and it got one in the form of Michael Clarke’s maiden Ashes century.
Clarke scored 124 off 224 balls, and in the company of his skipper Ricky Ponting, he enabled the Australians to reach an impressive score of 513. In a remarkable turnaround, the Aussies were able to bowl England out cheaply and win the game by 6 wickets. Clarke was unbeaten on 21 at the other end when Hussey hit the winning runs, ending a memorable match for the classy right-hander.
1. Ashes 2013, 3rd Test Match, Old Tafford, Manchester
Michael Clarke (L) plays a shot during the second day of the third cricket test of the 2013 Ashes series.
Clarke has risen to become the undisputed leader of Australian cricket. But things were far from rosy. The team had embarked on yet another Ashes campaign in the very unfamiliar position of being firm underdogs.
The first two Tests had gone according to script and England had dominated both, winning comfortably in the process. Experts called this the worst Australian batting order ever fielded in an Ashes series, and Clarke too was targeted for his inability to score big.
But then, 187 sublime runs in an Australian total of 527 was the answer to all his critics. His bat did more than just talk; it made a sweet sound every time it was hit by leather. All those who watched the Test will remember Micheal Clarke, the Australian captain, who fought back and almost won Australia the match.
Had it not been for the intervention by the rain gods, this could have been an amazing counter-punch by Australia.
Clarke will continue to help the Australians win the remaining two Tests of this Investec Ashes series in whatever capacity he can. With a game that can be adapted to suit any situation, and a technique that can face any opposition, Clarke is sure to leave behind a rich legacy.
