| Player: | MJ Clarke |
DateLine: 19th February 2007
Within his first couple of years in international cricket Michael Clarke has already experienced the ups and downs that inevitably are part of the game. Hailed as Australias ``Golden Boy the good looking Clarke cut a handsome figure at the crease in more ways than one especially while scoring 151 on his Test debut against India at Bangalore in 2004-05 and following it up with a century in his first home Test at the Gabba later the same season. By the end of the season he was the proud recipient of the Allan Border medal and everything was coming up roses for this level headed and immensely gifted youngster. Seemingly he could do no wrong and his pleasant manners allied to his sparkling, wristy stroke play and refreshingly adventurous approach made him the toast of the nation. With 335 runs at an average of 37.22 and a highest score of 91 he did reasonably well during the Ashes series in 2005 even if it was a bit of a comedown after his sensational start. But during the winter the runs dried up leading to the selectors dropping him. Back he was on the domestic circuit with a firm desire to tighten up his technique. An unbeaten 201 for New South Wales in the Pura Cup boosted his confidence and he was back in the Test arena. Of course he was a permanent fixture in the one-day squad his slow left arm spinners adding immeasurably to his value. Who can forget his six for nine against India on a responsive surface in Mumbai a spell that almost bowled Australia to victory. An average of around 45 and a strike rate of about 82 underlines his importance to the limited overs team but the ambitious Clarke would also like to contribute in no small measure to the Aussie Test squad.
