Michael Clarke: a hero ... in the flesh

Michael Clarke: punching out his celebration like a Cup-winning jockey © Getty Images

The highlights of Michael Clarke's debut series in India had been limited to news bulletins and pay television, so most Australians were getting their first real look at the boy wonder. And in one shot Clarke united grandstands and lounge rooms when he pulled a four from the final ball before lunch to bring up a magical century. What an introduction.

Eleven minutes earlier he had been 16 short, straining to go for it but running out of seconds. With one over to go he needed 11 and the mark was surely impossible. But he followed a four through cover off Chris Martin with a three to mid-on, Adam Gilchrist got off strike and Clarke had one ball to move off 96.

Stephen Fleming posted two men in the deep at fine and square leg. Knowing the batsman was in the mood for risk, Chris Martin wanted a short ball rising to shoulder height or more above off stump. He delivered it. Clarke rocked back and slapped it in front of square, punching out his celebration like a Cup-winning jockey.

Gilchrist, one of the game's finest shot-makers, had been left behind and clapped in amazement as Clarke slobbered on his helmet, belted the Australia crest on his shirt with his bat and walked off to the appropriate backing music of Alex Lloyd's 'Amazing'. It was almost Doug Walters versus Bob Willis at the WACA in 1974-75.

Walters trotted off for a beer; Clarke deserved a few breaths to settle down. It was a wild ride that had pulled him more history. Clarke had registered centuries on debut at home and away, joining Kepler Wessels at the Gabba and Kandy in 1982-83 and Harry Graham at Lord's in 1893 and Sydney in 1894-95. It took Clarke, 23, less than seven weeks.

Starting the morning on 31, Clarke was in a hurry and hit Kyle Mills through midwicket in the same over he hooked him for four. As he passed fifty his innings became a sprint and the lunch break hovered. Drives went on both sides to pass through the 60s, fiercely timed pulls and back foot cover drives got him to the 80s. There were also surges of youthful, unrefined adrenalin that forced an inside edge and some minor miscues.

Gilchrist had been Clarke's Sherpa during his hundred at Bangalore and was again trying to be a calming influence. His message was there was no need to rush. Clarke was listening, but thankfully - and spectacularly - ignored the request for caution.