Australian captain Michael Clarke has defied a serious back injury to post a gallant century against India in the first Test in Adelaide.
Clarke had injections to soothe back spasms after retiring hurt on 60 on Tuesday’s opening day.
He returned to the crease on Wednesday in obvious discomfort, hobbling when running and restricted in his strokeplay but still posting his 28th Test century.
Clarke, who has been hailed for his leadership in the aftermath of the death of his “little buddy” Phillip Hughes, made no overt celebration – he kissed the crest of his helmet and saluted the crowd before being hugged by batting partner Steve Smith.
The 33-year-old was only passed fit for the series opener against the Indians on Monday after overcoming a hamstring strain suffered in a one-day international on November 14.
Clarke appeared untroubled by that ailment but on Tuesday was forced from the field after his chronic back injury flared again.
He has three degenerative discs in his lower back which were first diagnosed as a 17-year-old.
Clarke’s short-term future remains uncertain with Australia’s team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris saying the captain was “struggling”.
“Unfortunately it’s quite a significant back injury,” Kountouris said before Wednesday’s play.
“He hasn’t had anything like this for 18 months.”
Kountouris believed Clarke’s current woes were unrelated to his hamstring issues.
“This is his right lower back. This is his old injury, what he’s had in the past,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s directly related to his hamstring because it’s the other side.
“We believe it’s related to his old disc injuries. With that comes a lot of muscle spasms and other things that cause pain.”
Clarke’s century continues his remarkable record at Adelaide Oval.
The stylish right-hander has now scored seven Test tons from 16 innings at the oval, where he averages more than 106.
His latest milestone is also his seventh century against India, including his 151 on Test debut in Bangalore in 2004 and memorable 329 not out at the SCG in 2012.
