Australia v India 2014/15 - 1st Test, Day 2: Twitter abuzz after Michael Clarke's century

Michael Clarke

Adelaide, Dec 10 - 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 at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.

The Australian skipper battled pain and initially struggled with body movement due to a back spasm, but went on to score his 21st Test century before getting caught by Cheteshwar Pujara off the bowling of leg-spinner Karn Sharma.

Clarke was batting on 60 on 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.

While the Indian bowling attack was largely toothless, Clarke deserves enormous credit for coming through what has probably been the toughest two weeks of his life. Apart from his injury troubles, he has also had to overcome the tragedy of losing one of his best friends in cricket in the form of Phillip Hughes.

Twitter was abuzz with praise from former cricketers, among other celebrities, for Clarke’s efforts:

Well played buddy, awesome 100 @MClarke23 !!!!

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) December 10, 2014

Can't think of a better way to say Goodbye to your friend than scoring 128 @MClarke23 #AUSvIND #RIPHughesy

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 10, 2014

A physically and psychologically brave knock. Well done, Michael Clarke. #century #champion #AUSvIND

— Rahul Bose (@RahulBose1) December 10, 2014

Michael Clarke: you deserve this one. You are blessed by your little brother above. Good on you mate!

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) December 10, 2014

An amazing hundred by @MClarke23 Hampered by his back but still has the class to adapt his game #AUSvIND

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) December 10, 2014