MIchael Clarke

I watched some of Clarke's innings yesterday. It was impressive. He was clearly seeing the ball very well, and his timing was immaculate. Moreover, whilst the bowling lost some of its penetration on an easing pitch, it still required careful assessment. Ricky Ponting also played very well indeed. A quieter innings than that of Clarke, it displayed some of the grit and quality that has put Ponting in the top echelon of batters in the game. It goes to show that age does not necessarily wither batting skill - it is the three 'oldies' - Clarke, Hussey and Ponting - that are putting the acid on the Indian bowling attack.