Clarke double century lights up draw

Queensland 266 and 4 for 162 (Maher 60, Philipson 45*) drew with New South Wales 7 dec for 488 (Clarke 201*, Thornely 86, Phelps 62)
Scorecard

Michael Clarke posted his maiden first-class double century as he staged a dramatic push for a swift return to the national team at the SCG. Dropped a week ago, Clarke added a further 94 runs today against a Queensland attack including the internationals Andy Bichel and Michael Kasprowicz to give New South Wales an outside chance of victory in the rain-affected match.

Despite giving up Lachlan Stevens and Martin Love to be 2 for 28 before tea, Queensland held on to reach 4 for 162 at stumps and secured a draw, although the Blues collected two first-innings points. However, the main talking point was again Clarke's batting and whether it would gain him a spot in the middle order for Australia's first Test against South Africa starting on December 16. He did not offer a chance in his 201 from 282 deliveries and celebrated the milestone in the final over before lunch, when the Blues declared at 7 for 488.

Jimmy Maher had 60 when he found Clarke off Stuart Clark, who also removed Martin Love, but Craig Philipson and Ashley Noffke diffused the danger for Queensland and lasted until stumps. An outright result was an unlikely prospect once rain washed out the second day, but New South Wales stayed on top of the table with 20 points while the Bulls dropped to fourth.