329 was quite enough runs for me, says skipper Michael Clarke

10 April 2012

Michael Clarke insisted he had no thoughts of setting a new world-record Test score after posting the fourth-highest total by an Australian today.

The captain closed his innings against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 329 not out, turning down the chance to eclipse Brian Lara, whose unbeaten 400 against England in 2004 remains the highest individual score, as well as his compatriots Matthew Hayden, Mark Taylor and Sir Don Bradman.

When Clarke declared, Australia were 659 for four and, in reply, India reached 114 for two in their second innings, still 355 runs short of making Australia bat again.

"I didn't think about it at all," Clarke said. "I didn't have Don Bradman or Mark Taylor's score in my head whatsoever.

"It was about trying to get the team to a number, a total I thought would be a good score to make a declaration, then have a crack to get a couple of wickets.

"I think it is about putting the team first; that's why we play. What I love most about this game is seeing this team win. I've always been like that as a player and I'll be no different as a captain. If it was best for the team to continue batting I would have continued to bat."

While Clarke's decision to step back from a world-record attempt might seem surprising, it is worth remembering where he was this time last year. Standing in for the injured Ricky Ponting, Clarke led the Aussies to an innings defeat by England at the SCG as Andrew Strauss's side claimed a 3-1 series win.

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