1st Test: Clarke steadies Aussies after Ashwin spell

Off-spinner claims six as tourists end day at 316-7.

The opening day of the first Test between India and tourists Australia was all about Ravichandran Ashwin and Michael Clarke, where the latter’s 23rd century helped his team post 316 for seven at the close of play.

Despite his hamstring complaint, the captain scored an unbeaten 103 that included 11 boundaries and a six. His knock helped anchor Australia, who were 153 for five after lunch — the batting line-up damaged mainly by Ashwin’s spell of six wickets for 88.

Clarke was ably assisted by debutant all-rounder Moises Henriques who played a mature hand of 68 and shared a 151-run stand with him before Henriques became Ashwin’s fourth lbw victim.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the debutant said he had seen enough from a spin-friendly south Indian wicket to suggest Australia’s plan to bank on reverse swing in the first Test can come to fruition.

“India bowled with discipline and hopefully with guys like James (Pattinson), Peter (Siddle) and Mitchell (Starc) will have a little bit more air speed,” said Henriques. “There was certainly reverse swing so I think the key with reverse swing is to try to bowl to new batsmen with it and be smart with your fields.”

He further said that the presence of Clarke – with whom he has previously played in domestic cricket – helped steady his nerves.

“I think that relaxing effect that Clarke has and that confidence has rubbed off on the people he bats with as well.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2013.