Sensational Test debut for Clarke by Nigel Stockley 7th October 2004

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Player:

MJ Clarke

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Former Ramsbottom professional Michael Clarke made a sensational Test match debut for Australia in the First Test against India in Bangalore. The 23 year-old hit a superb 151 batting at number six in Australia's first innings total of 474. Clarke hit 18 boundaries and four sixes in his highest First-class score. He became the 17th Australian to score a century on debut and the first since former Rishton professional Greg Blewitt in 1995.

 

In his one season at Ramsbottom in 2002, Clarke hit a league record unbeaten 200 at Enfield. In total he hit 887 runs at 59.1 before leaving to join an A Team tour. Last season he played for Hampshire alongside former Accrington professional Shane Warne who is also playing in the Bangalore Test.