Clarke and Smith make India suffer

CRICKET: Michael Clarke batted through back pain and combined with Steven Smith to put Australia in firm control of the first Test against India on a rain-interrupted second day.

After making a strong start on their return to action for the first time since Phillip Hughes’s death, Australia finished on 517-7 yesterday thanks to a seventhwicket stand of 163 from Clarke and Smith.

Clarke departed for 128 late on after securing his 28th Test century, while Smith remains unbeaten on 162, but their progress was hampered by only 30.4 overs being played due to rainy conditions in Adelaide.

Australia resumed on 354-6 with Clarke – who had retired hurt on 60 on the opening day – joining Smith out in the middle.

The start of play was delayed for 10 minutes due to a wet outfield - the first in a series of weather delays which ultimately did more to slow Australia’s progress than anything India could muster.

“We kind of said that we wanted to try and get to 500 so it was about putting the accelerator on and trying to get a few boundaries away,” said Smith said after play.

“It’s always nice when you’ve just scored a hundred; it’s probably the best time to bat. I guess when the captain gives you a bit of a licence to try and get a few runs, you can start to invent a few shots.”