How Michael Clarke kept his 'cool'

An ice bath has been a key component that enabled Australian skipper Michael Clarke bat over three days and score 329 not out in the Sydney Test, team conditioning coach Stuart Karppinen has said.

He revealed that Clarke took a 16-minute ice bath, performed routine stretching exercises and took supplements to help relax his muscles after remaining 251 not out on the second day of the second Test in Sydney.

“But, by the end of that day, when he was on 251 not out, he needed to have an ice bath, not just to reduce his temperature, but more so because of the analgesic effect. It reduces muscle soreness and promotes recovery so he could turn out the next day and start again,” Karppinen said.

“‘The next morning he did his hydration testing, which involves a urine test from which we can measure how much fluid he needs to take in to reach the right level,” he added.

Karppinen also revealed that Clarke has been working consistently for the past few months on his fitness.

“During the match, it’s about the ‘one percenters’, like the ice baths and energy levels,” Karppinen said.

“But most of the work is in the preparation. Considering how significant the innings was, Michael actually coped with it very well. I’m really pleased about that because it’s a great reflection on all the work he’s done prior,” he added.