Top 5 Test knocks of Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke was one of the most successful Australian cricket captains of all time. He was a brilliant batsman who had a prolific Test career that spanned from 2004 to 2015. During his tenure, he played some of the most memorable knocks in the history of Test cricket. However, his top three innings stand out as exceptional performances.

1.  329* vs India (2012)

Clarke’s greatest knock in Test cricket came against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in the 2012-13 series. In the second Test of the series, Australia won the match by an innings and 68 runs, thanks largely to Clarke’s knock of 329 not out. The Indian team batted first and were bowled out for just 191 runs.

In reply, Clarke batted with great composure and aggression, decimating the Indian bowling attack. He scored 329 not out off 468 balls, which included 39 boundaries and a six. Clarke’s innings was instrumental in securing the win for Australia, and it remains one of the most significant innings of his career.

2.  259 vs South Africa (2012)

Clarke’s second-best knock in Test cricket came against South Africa in the first Test of the 2012-13 series. The match was played at the Gabba in Brisbane, and South Africa batted first and scored 450 runs. In reply, Clarke played a brilliant innings, slamming an unbeaten 259 runs off 398 balls.

His innings included 26 boundaries and a six. Australia amassed a massive total of 565 runs in their first innings. Although the match ended in a draw, Clarke’s knock was a masterpiece, and it demonstrated his skill as a top-order batsman.

3. 230 vs South Africa (2012)

Clarke’s third-best knock in Test cricket came against South Africa in the second Test

of the 2012-13 series. The match was played at the Adelaide Oval, and Australia

scored 550 runs in their first innings, with Clarke leading the way with a brisk 230 off 257 deliveries. His innings included 40 boundaries and a six. In reply, South African skipper Graeme Smith scored 122, but his team was bowled out for 388 runs.

In their second innings, Australia scored 267 runs and set South Africa a mammoth target of 430 runs for victory. South Africa batted out the entire final day to secure a draw. Clarke’s innings played a crucial role in Australia’s dominance in the match, and it highlighted his skills as a leader and an experienced batsman.