Published: Aug 10, 2015, 04:44 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 10, 2015, 04:59 PM (IST)
Michael Clarke recorded one of his most memorable innings when he struck an unbeaten 259 against a top-notch South African bowling attack in the first match of the four-Test series in 2012-13. Clarke, who was handed the captaincy of the Australian team over from legendary batsman Ricky Ponting, struck 26 fours in his 398 innings. While it was not his highest score (which happens to be 329 vs India in 2011-12), it could very well qualify as his greatest-ever knock simply due to to the quality of the opposition attack, which boasted of some of the best Test fast bowlers in the world in Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander. READ: Michael Clarke joins Don Bradman following unbeaten 259 vs South Africa
Clarke’s knock helped Australia declare on a score of 565 for 5, which gave them a 115-run lead over the Proteas, with the Test ending in a draw. Clarke however continued his excellent form in the series, slamming 230 in the next Test at Adelaide, though South Africa eventually won the series 1-0 and became rose to the No. 1 position on the Test table.
Clarke announced his intention to retire from the sport following the conclusion of the fourth Test between Australia and England at Trent Bridge, which the visitors lost by an innings and 78 runs. Clarke stated that he would be playing the fifth Test at Lord’s before retiring, and was visibly emotional during the post-match presentation ceremony at the Trent Bridge Test. Clarke had retired from One-Day International (ODI) cricket after leading his side to victory in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final.
