Michael Clarke says debut Test 'still occupies mind more' than 'landmark' 100th Test in Perth

Australian captain Michael Clarke has begun his 100th Test in Perth yet it is his first which still remains most firmly in his mind, according to reports.

According to The Daily Telegraph, almost a decade on the Australian captain still remembers the shock of being given the opportunity, the numbness of Shane Warne presenting the precious baggy green cap, and the unreality of scoring a debut century.

The excitement became too much when Clarke stood in the centre of the team huddle on match morning in Bangalore and Warne began to speak, according to the captain.

Little more than a year later a devastated Clarke was out of the team as his carefree style had cost him too many cheap dismissals and the joy of Bangalore was a distant memory as the rollercoaster hit the ground, the report added.

The dream is all about playing for Australia but the reality is much more challenging, he said.