Adelaide: The cricket community, led by Australian legends Shane Warne and Glenn Mcgrath, were quick to heap praise on Michael Clarke for his superb hundred (128), braving an excruciating back spasm, against India on day two of the first Test here Wednesday.
The Australian skipper battled pain and initially struggled with body movement due to a back spasm but went onto score his 21st Test century before getting caught by Cheteshwar Pujara off spinner Karn Sharma.
Clarke was batting on 60 Tuesday when he swayed away to avoid a short ball from Indian pacer Ishant Sharma and immediately grimaced in pain. He temporarily retired hurt, but took injections and came back to bat.
"Well played buddy, awesome 100 @MClarke23 !!!!?," Shane Warne wrote on tweeter Wednesday.
"An amazing hundred by @MClarke23 Hampered by his back but still has the class to adapt his game #AUSvIND," Glenn McGrath tweeted.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also lauded Clarke's efforts.
"Can't think of a better way to say Goodbye to your friend than scoring 128 @MClarke23 #AUSvIND #RIPHughesy."
Actor Rahul Bose and senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai took to twitter saying it was both physically and psychologically a brave knock.
"A physically and psychologically brave knock. Well done, Michael Clarke. #century #champion #AUSvIND," wrote Bose on his twitter handle.
Sardesai said it was a result of the blessings of Phillip Hughes (who died Nov 27, after being hit by a bouncer).
"Michael Clarke: you deserve this one. You are blessed by your little brother above. Good on you mate!" tweeted Sardesai.
Australia finished the second say on a strong position, posting 517 for seven.
