Michael Clarke reveals Shane Warne's advice helped him score double hundred
Last Updated: November 12, 2012 3:35pm
Michael Clarke: Superb double century rescued Australia
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Michael Clarke says some advice Australian legend Shane Warne was key to his unbeaten double century against South Africa in Brisbane.
Clarke scored a brilliant 218no, sharing a stand of 259 with Ed Cowan (113) and another of 188 with Mike Hussey (88no) to all-but-ensure the first Test will end in a draw.
Australia reached stumps on day four on 487-4, having been in early trouble in their first innings on 40-3.
"One of things Warney's taught me over the years is the better the bowling, the more positive you've got to be and that was certainly my intent from the first ball I faced yesterday," Clarke said.
"I wanted to be nice and positive and play my way, and put it back on the South African bowlers because I know they're a very good attack.
"I think Ed and I just tried to play our natural games. We had a bit of luck along the way and Michael Hussey showed great intent, scored very freely and continued to show his class.
"When you're under pressure, that's when I generally play my best cricket."
Clarke's form since he took over as captain from Ricky Ponting last year has been superb - his average is now over 60 and he has scored six Test centuries in that time.
Monday's effort was his third double century of the year - taking in his sublime unbeaten 329 against India at Sydney in January - and he has now scored 1,000 Test runs in 2012.
"I'm trying to get better every day," Clarke added. "It's been nice to lead the way with the bat. I've said for a while now, it's not what you say, it's what you do.
"Ricky certainly did that as captain of Australia for a long period of time. He was scoring lots of runs and the boys followed. Hopefully I've got a few left in me."
