After another mammoth double-ton against the Proteas, Michael Clarke has finally reclaimed his position at the top of the ICC Test Batsman rankings. Having already notched up 1309 runs for the calender year with two tests remaining, Clarke is batting with an average of 119, needing 225 runs to overtake Ricky Ponting as the all-time leading Australian run-scorer in a calendar year. It’s the third time Clarke has reached the top position. Australia next best were Michael Hussey at 12 and Ponting at 24.
Further inflating the worth of Pup’s latest purple patch is the fact that he’s been swatting his runs against the the world’s number 1, 2, and 8th ranked bowlers in Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander (for the 1st test), and Morne Morkel. Keeping up appearances for the Aussies was Ben Hilfenhaus at number seven and Peter Siddle at 9. Come on Aussie, C’mon!
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