MELBOURNE: Australia captain Michael Clarke enjoys watching Sachin Tendulkar bat but hoped that the Indian icon doesn’t score his much-awaited 100th international century during the upcoming four-match Test series, starting on December 26.
“That’s (Tendulkar scoring his 100th international ton) certainly a prospect. I hope that doesn’t happen. I hope he scores it in his next series,” said Clarke ahead of their first Test. “He’s been an unbelievable player for such a long period of time. I really enjoy watching him bat. If he does score his 100th century, he deserves every bit of credit and applause.”
Clarke has showed that he is all ready for the Indians by announcing his playing XI for the first Test 48 hours in advance.
Opener Ed Cowan has been named in the final XI and is all to make his Test debut, while Ben Hilfenhaus’ experience was preferred over Mitchell Starc’s raw promise. The out-of-form duo of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey have also been retained in the side.
Team: Michael Clarke (captain), Brad Haddin, Ed Cowan, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, David Warner, Mitchell Starc (12th man). (Agencies)