Shane Warne 'proud' of 'best bud' Michael Clarke for 'courageous efforts' despite 'agonising' pace 'mauling'

Australian spin legend Shane Warne, who is mentoring the team for the third Test against South Africa, has said that he believes captain Michael Clarke was in agony after the pace 'mauling' he received from South African bowler Morne Morkel on the opening day.

Clarke, who will resume at 92 not out on day two having been hammered, had played the finest innings of his life two and years ago, making 151 of 284 the last time Australia played at Newlands.

According to News.com.au, Warne said that he is proud of Clarke's efforts after the captain suffered blows to his arm, body and jaw, adding that Clarke must have been stiff and sore and must have got ice packs and chocolate milkshakes to ease the agony on his jaw and body.

Stating that the blows must have hurt a lot as they came at a speed of 150km/h, Warne said that he is proud of Clarke for showing courage even in the face of such attack as they are 'best buddies'.

Warne further said that in order to prove his detractors wrong, Clarke went ahead and made runs even though it would have been easier for him to lose hope in the face of such attack, adding that he hopes Clarke can make a big score on the second day.

It was Clarke's first score over 24 since making a century against England during the second Test in Adelaide last December, the report added.