Best knocks of Michael Clarke in the Ashes

3. Ashes 2009 – 2nd Test Match, Lord’s, London

The English were reinvigorated, and were ready to attack. With the emergence of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, and not to mention a certain Andrew Flintoff, the English side was surely going to test the Australians.

After scoring 425 in the first innings, the English were able to skittle the Australians out for a paltry 215. They batted well again in the second essay to leave the Aussies with a target of 522 to win with two days left in the Test match.

Showing why he was going to be a leader in the future, Clarke stood up and defied the English attack for the entire fourth day. The Australians did lose on the final day, but Clarke had just shown what the Aussie spirit was all about, and perished for 136 in this losing cause.

Once again, he was the only batsmen from the Aussie side to get into three figures.