Clarke Leads The Way With Triple As Australia Dominate

Clarke Leads The Way With Triple As Australia Dominate

Michael Clarke celebrates after reaching his triple-century against India in Sydney

©REUTERS / Action Images

India 191 & 114-2 (Gambhir 68no) v
Australia 659-4 dec. (Clarke 329no, Hussey 150no)
Second Test, Sydney, day three
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two
List of highest innings in Tests

Michael Clarke became the first Australian to score a triple century in a Test match since Matthew Hayden, and the first as captain since Mark Taylor, as his side remained in complete control against India in Sydney.

Day three of the second Test saw Clarke declare Australia's innings on 659 for four when he was unbeaten on 329 and Michael Hussey had made 150 not out.

It handed Australia a lead of 468 after Clarke and Hussey shared a partnership for the fifth wicket worth 334 - and after Clarke and Ponting put on 288 for the fourth wicket, it was the first time in Test history that a side put on two partnerships worth more than 250 in a Test.

Clarke faced 468 deliveries, hitting 39 fours and a six while Hussey hit 150 from 253 balls with 16 fours and a six, the pair batting for more than 80 overs together.

Clarke's 329 was also the highest score from number five in the order, passing Sir Don Bradman's previous record of 304 against England in 1934.

India took just one wicket on day two but failed to take any before Australia decided they had batted long enough.

In reply, the tourists made a poor start when Virender Sehwag (4) was brilliantly caught by David Warner at point as he tried to get off to a flyer.

However, Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid (29) settled things with an 82-run stand for the second wicket which was ended when Dravid was bowled by Ben Hilfenhaus.

Gambhir stroked a fluent 68 not out in 124 balls while Sachin Tendulkar was unbeaten on four at stumps - India still trail by 354 runs.

© Cricket World 2012