Five runs short from the highest Test score by an Aussie captain, 51 runs short from the highest Test score by an Australian, 71 runs short from the highest score by a Test player; the temptations were limitless for Michael Clarke on Day 3 of the second Test at the SCG.
But one BIG call, which shocked many, was the right path to take.
Not out on 329, Clarke’s choice of declaring once batting partner Mike Hussey scored 150 was one of the most unselfish calls I’ve ever seen in cricket, or even sport.
Being so close to surpassing Mark Taylor’s 334 (the highest score by an Aussie captain), it was a big call. But on-the-other-hand, it was an appropriate one.
The declaration at 4/659 ended a 334 run fourth wicket partnership with himself and Mike Hussey (19 runs from the biggest 4th wicket partnership at the SCG) and gave India 468 runs to get to avoid a big defeat, which has now been cut to 354 runs thanks to an inspirational 50 by Gautam Gambhir (though they are two wickets down).
Coming back from the SCG on Day 3, some would say that Clarke’s 300 was the best moment of the day. But for me, it was Clarke’s call to declare, showing a load of leadership and ticking all the boxes of what a proper Aussie captain should be.
Yes, he would have gotten 400 if he batted on, and he and Hussey could knocked over the highest fourth wicket partnership (ever), but when playing a great team like India, you’ve got to take your chances.
And that’s what he did, so good on ya Pup!
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