Clarke’s Century, Cape Town Pitch Gives Australia Hope

Michael Clarke’s century on the first day of the first Test match against South Africa has been touted as being one of the best he has scored. It also reminded me of Sachin Tendulkar of the 1990s – a lone warrior, who would bat like he was on another track from the one that the other batsmen in the innings were batting on.

In many ways, before this series, Australia had sunk to a position which was not too dissimilar from the one that India were in the 1990s. Fortunately for Australia, they have shown resilience to bounce off from that position rather quickly, thanks probably due to a better attitude towards the game from the grassroots.

That said, the current South Africa series and the one at home against India will be a big one. If Australia can acquit themselves better than what they have in the past one year or so, it would be a step in the right direction. And then, if can put it across India at home, it will be fair to say that the comeback has been fructified.

The conditions on the first day at Cape Town were difficult for the batsmen and that is the one reason why Clarke’s century becomes one to rave about. There was swing all day through and barring a patch in the middle when the South African bowlers did a poor job with those excessive bouncers, life was pretty much a struggle.

At 214/8, Clarke would love to think that if he can add another 40 runs or so, and if the conditions remain similar to what they have so far, Australia has the arsenal to test South Africa. The second day will be an interesting one as it looks to answer some of the posers that the game has for the interested.