OTD| Michael Clarke scored brilliant century on his debut against India in 2004

Michael Clarke was one of the best batters of his time. The former Australian batter made his debut in the year 2004. On his maiden Test, Clarke registered a fantastic test ton against India on his away debut. In the challenging Indian conditions, Clarke impressed everyone with his batsmanship. On a turning track, Clarke scored a hundred on debut. It was one of the best knocks by a visiting batter in India. 

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. On the first day, the wicket was good to bat on in Bengaluru. But Australia found themselves at 149/4 at one stage. The visiting side needed a partnership at that point, which was exactly provided by the duo Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist. Both the batters scored hundred and put Australia in the dominant position in the match.

Clarke displayed terrific innings of beautiful Strokeplay. The Australian number 6 batted deep and scored hundred on debut. Clarke continued and scored a sublime 150 in the first innings, which gave a big boost for the Australian innings. Clarke played calculative innings and paced it well with caution and aggression. The Indian attack had no answer to the might of Clarke and Gilchrist. 

Clarke scored 151 runs in 248 balls, which included 18 fours and 4 sixes. On a wicket which was becoming tough to bat with the progression of every ball, Clarke registered a fantastic ton. Against a good bowling lineup of Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh, Clarke played an impressive knock. It was dominating and took the game away from India completely.

Australia scored 474 runs in their first innings. On a pitch which was deteriorating, it was a fantastic total. India succumbed to scoreboard pressure and scored only 246 runs. Australia scored 228 runs in their second innings. The target for India was 457, which was never chased before. Australia went on to win the match by 217 runs. Clarke won the Player of the Match award for his fabulous knock.