Clarke hits back from Test dumping with century

New South Wales 5 for 331 (Clarke 107*, Thornely 86, Phelps 62) lead Queensland 266 by 65 runs
Scorecard

The runs returned immediately for Michael Clarke, who was unbeaten on 107 © Getty Images Enlarge

Michael Clarke responded to his Test dropping in the style the selectors had hoped with a century that helped earn New South Wales first-innings points against Queensland at the SCG. Clarke, who was cut from the national squad last week, was sent back to the domestic scene to "clear his head" and he breezed to his ninth Pura Cup century, a milestone he celebrated by kissing his helmet.

Batting at No. 4, Clarke replaced Simon Katich at 2 for 99 and combined with Dominic Thornely in a 171-run partnership that passed Queensland's first-innings 226 to secure two points. However, Clarke missed making his point in front of the Test selector David Boon, who attended Sunday's rained out day but had other commitments today. He hit 13 boundaries in his unbeaten 107 while Thornely fell 14 short of three figures in an innings including six fours and two sixes.

New South Wales, who were 5 for 331 at stumps, started the day at 1 for 6 following another weather delay. Katich, who was dropped from the Test side after failing in Brisbane, reached 47 and Matthew Phelps posted 62 before being bowled by Ashley Noffke. Andy Bichel was the most successful of Queensland's bowlers with 2 for 52.