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Adelaide Test Day 2: Michael Clarke, Steve Smith smash hundreds; send Indians on leather hunt

Michael Clarke scored a fantastic 128, whereas Steve Smith is unbeaten on 162.

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Michael Clarke scored a fantastic 128 on Day 2.
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Injured captain Michael Clarke made a surprise return to the crease and struck an inspiring century to put Australia in command, after a rain-interrupted second day of the first test against India on Wednesday.

Clarke retired hurt on 60 with a lower back injury on the opening day, but after a sleep-deprived night of treatment and pain-killing injections, the 33-year-old's courageous 128 helped drive the hosts to 517 for seven by stumps at Adelaide Oval.

Steve Smith joined the party and was unbeaten on 162 when umpires halted play due to poor light, with paceman Mitchell Johnson yet to score.

Smith and Clarke's 163-run partnership on a day of rain interruptions demoralised the tourists, who dropped a series of catches in a shambolic fielding display in the afternoon.

Related: Day two closes early due to bad light; Australia end on 517/7 in 120 overs

Clarke's 28th test century was also a record seventh at the ground and his fourth in succession, dating back to an imperious 210 against the same opponent in 2012.

After Tuesday's brilliant sunshine, leaden skies hung over the stadium early as Australia resumed on 354-6.

Only 30 overs were bowled but it was enough play to provide stirring moments, as Smith reached his century on the first ball after lunch and Clarke made his after another rain delay.

Smith, who started the day on 72, flicked paceman Varun Aaron off his pads for two runs, and after taking off his helmet, he jogged over to the big '408' painted on the turf in front of the Sir Donald Bradman Pavilion, in tribute to Phillip Hughes, the country's 408th test cricketer.


MUTED CELEBRATION

The in-form 25-year-old waved his bat at the number and peered at the sky, echoing day one centurion David Warner's remembrance of Hughes, who died two weeks ago after being hit by a short ball during a Sheffield Shield match.

Clarke's celebration was more muted, raising his bat to acknowledge the applause, before kissing the crest on his helmet after working a single away off Aaron.

Also Read: Micheal Clarke, Steve Smith slam hundreds; propel Australia to 517 for 7 at close of play

The skipper has battled a back condition throughout his career and returned to the side only after passing a fitness test from a third hamstring strain in three months.

Team physio Alex Kountouris said the skipper's injury was not related to his hamstring, however, and rather related to an older complaint involving discs in his spine, an issue he last sustained 18 months before at the Champions Trophy.

Clarke's was the only wicket to fall, as he swept leg-spinner Karn Sharma straight to Cheteshwar Pujara at square leg.

The skipper played a leading role in supporting Hughes' family and team mates, and he trudged off the field with his head bowed as fans gave him a standing ovation.

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